March 2005

New Zealand-Southeast Asia Relations: A Survey of the Contemporary Relationship by Anthony L. Smith.

Executive Summary

Southeast Asia is of ongoing importance to New Zealand. The region sits astride important sea lanes that are crucial for New Zealand’s economic wellbeing. New Zealand has always played a role in Southeast Asian security, including in relation to the latest threat of terrorism. However, Wellington’s ability to influence events in a region that is important to New Zealand’s security, is limited. Furthermore, New Zealand’s links with Indonesia remain weak, particularly when set alongside those with Singapore and Malaysia.

In the past New Zealand has forged important bilateral relationships with key Southeast Asian countries, but multilateralism, as represented by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and associated bodies, has emerged as a substantial area of interest. Through the ASEAN grouping New Zealand has access to a wider security architecture, such as the ASEAN Regional Forum and the Shangri-La Dialogue. ASEAN remains the driver of confidence building in the wider Asia Pacific.

Southeast Asia remains a useful secondary market for New Zealand trade and investment. Trade negotiations with Singapore and Thailand have revealed a convergence of interests with those countries. New Zealand needs to find “trade allies” in forthcoming negotiations to establish an ASEAN – Australia – New Zealand free trade agreement.

Southeast Asia is second only to the South Pacific in terms of New Zealand aid giving, and thus remains an area of significance in Wellington’s Overseas Development Assistance programme. The New Zealand government has opted to provide NZ$68 million for recovery after the Indian Ocean tsunami, much of which will go to Indonesia.

In terms of people-to-people linkages the presence of students and immigrant populations from Southeast Asia greatly assists knowledge of that region. However, a countervailing trend can be observed in New Zealand universities where Southeast Asian expertise is in decline, including the disappearance of all Southeast Asian language courses. 

   You can view the full report or the author's profile.

   Other Outlook papers.