New Zealanders' Asia knowledge peaks as regional relationships evolve
The Asia New Zealand Foundation's 28th annual Perceptions of Asia and Asian Peoples survey shows that New Zealanders are maintaining their commitment to and engagement in Asia while adapting to changing regional dynamics.
“New Zealanders are becoming more discerning about regional relationships,” says Suzannah Jessep, Chief Executive of the Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono. “Our conversations have shifted from “Asia” to conversations about the specific countries and sectors that we are engaged with…The report shows that today our ties across the Asia region are broader, deeper and more mutually beneficial than ever.”
This year’s survey presents changes in views over the past year, as well as longitudinal trends of public attitudes across demographics, regions and sectors, helping to inform both public dialogue and policymaking.
Japan continues to be regarded by New Zealanders as the friendliest and most trusted country in Asia, and is the relationship New Zealanders would like to see further investment in. New Zealanders are also feeling increasingly positive towards partners across Southeast Asia as well as South Korea, with these countries all seeing a significant jump in how friendly they are perceived to be.
The positive shift toward Southeast Asian countries coincides with New Zealand and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) celebrating 50 years of formal ties, as well as a number of important bilateral anniversaries in the region.
“We're seeing New Zealand’s effort and investment translate into genuine warmth in public sentiment toward individual Southeast Asian nations.” says Dr Julia Macdonald, Director Research and Engagement of the Foundation.
While China continues to be ranked as the most important country in Asia for New Zealand’s future, sentiment towards the country remains mixed and has cooled in recent months following China's live-fire drills and partnership deal with the Cook Islands.
The same holds true for the United States, with friend perceptions dropping following tariff announcements and changes in US foreign policy toward Russia and Ukraine.
“New Zealanders are responding to real-world events and their implications for us and our region,” adds Macdonald. “The data shows a public that's engaged with international developments.”
In this context, New Zealanders are seeing countries in Asia as increasingly important defence and security partners, with Singapore and South Korea both highly rated.
In terms of media, more New Zealanders now think Asia receives too little coverage. Social media continues its upward trend as a key source of Asia news, especially among young New Zealanders.
“The appetite for Asia content is clearly there,” says Jessep. “New Zealanders want more comprehensive coverage of the region, recognising that developments in Asia directly impact back home."
The report demonstrates the depth and breadth of New Zealand's relationship with Asia and shows how far we have come in our understanding of the region. New Zealanders’ self-assessed knowledge of Asia has almost doubled in the past decade - increasing from 33 percent in 2013 to 59 percent today.
For more information, contact: Taniya Scott | Director communications and media | Email: [email protected] | Phone: 027 226 8707
