This report presents the results of a survey of the general New Zealand public about their perceptions of Asia and Asian peoples and their knowledge of the Asian region. It was conducted by Colmar Brunton during August 2012.
Background and objectives
Since 1997 the Foundation has carried out research to examine New Zealanders’ perceptions of the people and countries of Asia. In its initial form, the research sought to measure and track New Zealanders’ perceptions of the importance of Asia to New Zealand’s future, their level of contact with and interest in Asian people and cultures, and views on Asian investment, trade with Asia, and Asian tourism, students and immigration.
Since 2007 this survey has provided a more detailed examination of:
- perceptions of and feelings toward people from Asia
- specific points of contact between New Zealanders and people from Asia
- views regarding the contributions that Asian people make to New Zealand
- the impacts of the media on perceptions of Asia and Asian people
- the importance that New Zealanders place on cultural and economic ties with Asia
- the perceived impacts that conflicts, threats and instabilities in Asia could have on New Zealand
- how New Zealanders view the relationship between New Zealand and Asia
- perceived obstacles to closer ties between New Zealand and Asia
- views on Asian investment in New Zealand. young New Zealanders to engage with Asia.