Asia Insights
Insights is your source for the Foundation’s latest research, in-depth analysis, and news on Asia and New Zealand’s relationships across the region.
Latest articles
Expert analysis on Asia and New Zealand-Asia relations
New poll finds New Zealanders are increasingly wary of major powers amid global uncertainty
A new survey conducted by the Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono in September shows perceptions of China have shifted since the Foundation’s Perceptions of Asia 2026 survey, released in June 2026, when New Zealanders were more likely to see China as a friend than a threat.
A century of sporting ties: India and NZ beyond hockey, cricket and mountaineering
In the final instalment of our four-part series on the history of the India-New Zealand sporting relationship, Stephen Hewson traces encounters beyond the hockey field and cricket pitch to the Commonwealth Games and kabaddi court.
Opinion: How China wins the hearts and minds of Pakistan
The Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the People’s Republic of China make for an unlikely alliance. One places faith at the heart of its constitution, while the other is governed by an officially atheist Communist Party. Yet nine in ten Pakistanis view China favourably, the highest rating of any country in the most recent Pew survey. In the following article, Dr Divya Malhotra offers an Indian lens on how Beijing won the hearts and minds of the Pakistani awaam (Urdu for "common people") through a careful calibration of strategic support and selective silence on sensitive issues.
Inside Southeast Asia's scam compounds – book review
Scam centres have emerged from shadowy criminal outposts into a vast, industrialised global enterprise that prey on human vulnerability. In our latest article, the Foundation's Alex Smith reviews a recent book examining the inner workings of Southeast Asia's rapidly proliferating scam compounds.
Explainer: APEC comes to China
Ahead of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in China, Asia Media Centre manager Graeme Acton takes a look at what we can expect to see at the November meeting.
What can New Zealand learn from Tokyo’s urban planning?
In the first of Asia in Focus’s urbanism series, Kayden Briskie examines how mixed-use development in Japan has created energised and diverse cities, and what New Zealand could learn from such an approach.
Featured
Find out about the topics covered and conversations had at the Foundation's Asia Symposium
Asia Symposium
Policymakers, academics and business leaders from across New Zealand and Asia gathered in Wellington recently for the Foundation’s Asia Symposium: Asia in Transition – The Middle Power Moment. Hosted by the Asia New Zealand Foundation in partnership with The Asia Foundation, the symposium examined the geostrategic shifts reshaping our region and the growing role of small and middle powers. On this page, you can read a brief introduction to the symposium and watch the panel discussions and keynotes.
Latest research
A Century of Sporting Ties
As New Zealand and India celebrate 100 years of official sporting ties, a new Asia New Zealand Foundation report, authored by Stephen Hewson, traces the evolution of the relationship through hockey, cricket and mountaineering, as well as more recent sporting connections, such as squash, tennis and kabaddi.
New Zealanders' Perceptions of Asia 2026
This year’s Perceptions of Asia and Asian Peoples report shows how New Zealanders’ perceptions of Asia – and of traditional security partners – are shifting amid growing international uncertainty. Now in its 29th year, the New Zealanders’ Perceptions of Asia and Asian Peoples survey is the Foundation’s flagship longitudinal survey, providing valuable insights into how New Zealanders view Asia and their place in the region.
Asia country profiles
China country profile
In this country profile, we look at the latest New Zealanders' Perceptions of Asia and Asian Peoples research to gain an understanding of how New Zealanders feel about China.
India country profile
The India country profile is based on our latest New Zealanders’ Perceptions of Asia and Asian Peoples report. The survey was carried out in January and February 2026. Supplementary data relating to travel is from Stats NZ. The 2026 Perceptions of Asia survey was carried out after the announcement that New Zealand and India had concluded free trade negotiations in December 2025 and before the visit of Prime Minister Modi to Auckland in July 2026.
Japan country profile
This country profile is based on our latest New Zealanders’ Perceptions of Asia and Asian Peoples report. The survey was carried out in January and February 2026. Supplementary data relating to travel is from Stats NZ.
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