New Zealanders place growing importance on Asia ties amid global uncertainty
The latest Perceptions of Asia 2026 survey shows New Zealanders feel more connected to Asia than ever. Amid a more challenging geopolitical environment, New Zealanders are looking increasingly to countries in Asia to build deeper political, economic, and social ties.
The Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono’s 29th annual Perceptions of Asia and Asian Peoples survey shows New Zealanders continue to see Asia as crucial to New Zealand’s future. Eighty-one percent of New Zealanders say developing ties with the peoples and countries of Asia is important, with 39 percent saying it is very important.
“New Zealanders continue to recognise that the Asia region matters deeply to New Zealand’s future,” says Suzannah Jessep, chief executive of the Asia New Zealand Foundation. “The findings show a public that understands the importance of building strong, informed and longstanding relationships in Asia, whether it’s for trade, investment, and economic growth, or navigating an increasingly interconnected and complex regional environment.”
The 2026 survey presents the views of 2,300 New Zealanders aged 15 years and over and was conducted between 21 January and 18 February 2026. The results provide insights into New Zealanders’ connections to and perceptions of Asia, helping inform public dialogue, policymaking and the Foundation’s work to equip New Zealanders to excel in Asia
While North Asia remains the sub-region most widely seen as critical to New Zealand’s future, attitudes are beginning to shift. New Zealanders are increasingly recognising the growing significance of South Asia, including India, with half now viewing it as important to the country’s long-term prospects. However, despite this rising awareness, self-reported knowledge of South Asia continues to lag well behind that of other Asian sub-regions.
This growing recognition of Asia's importance is accompanied by a more cautious assessment of the major powers shaping the region. Sentiment towards the United States has cooled significantly since the last survey, with friend perceptions (countries that New Zealanders trust and feel warmth towards) falling from 61 percent to 39 percent. For China, sentiment has warmed slightly, but from a fairly low base. In 2026, 43 percent of New Zealanders see China as friendly, up from 38 percent in the Foundation’s 2025 report.
Japan continues to be seen as New Zealand’s closest friend in Asia, closest defence and security partner, and most trusted power in Asia, surpassing New Zealanders' trust in the United Kingdom for the first time. Singapore is the next most trusted power in Asia and is seen as the Asian country most like-minded to New Zealand.
“We continue to see strong public warmth towards Japan and Singapore, alongside a more nuanced understanding of the different roles countries across Asia play in New Zealand’s future,” says Dr Julia Macdonald, Director Research and Engagement at the Foundation.
New Zealanders are optimistic about Asia's broader impact on New Zealand, particularly in technology, tourism, economic growth and investment. More than 70 percent of New Zealanders expect each of these areas to have a positive impact on New Zealand in the coming decade.
The survey also shows how important travel, entertainment, and sports are to building deeper connections with Asia. In the year to January 2026, travel to Asia increased by 14 percent while enthusiasm for Asia-related entertainment, especially TV and film, is strong across genres. Overall, 60 percent of New Zealanders now say they feel connected to Asian cultures in their daily lives, an increase of four percent from last year.
“These findings show New Zealanders’ connections with Asia go beyond politics and economics. They are also cultural, personal and part of everyday life,” says Jessep.
“That depth of connection matters as New Zealand continues to navigate its place in a dynamic region.”
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About the survey
Now in its 29th year, the annual Perceptions of Asia and Asian Peoples survey provides New Zealand’s research and international affairs community, media, government officials and the public with insights into New Zealanders’ connections to and perceptions of Asia. The survey informs New Zealand public discourse on Asia and the Foundation’s work to equip New Zealanders to excel in Asia.
This report presents the results from a survey of 2,300 New Zealanders aged 15 years and over, conducted between 21 January and 18 February 2026. Survey results have been weighted using 2023 Census data so that they are representative of New Zealanders by age, gender, ethnicity and geography.
