Trusted partner? New report sheds light on Southeast Asia's perceptions of New Zealand
The Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono has released new research exploring how informed voices across Southeast Asia perceive New Zealand’s foreign policy and international standing.
The Southeast Asian Perceptions of New Zealand report surveyed 200 Southeast Asian experts in international affairs with a working knowledge of New Zealand and its foreign policy from Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines. The findings show that New Zealand enjoys an excellent reputation and is seen as principled, trustworthy and genuinely independent in its approach.
The new report is the first of its kind undertaken by the Foundation and complements the Foundation’s annual New Zealanders’ Perceptions of Asia and Asian Peoples survey which provides insights for researchers, government officials and the public on how New Zealand views Asia and its people.
Asia New Zealand Foundation chief executive Suzannah Jessep says the new research helps New Zealand see itself through the eyes of its closest Southeast Asian neighbours.
“After years of asking New Zealanders how they view Asia and its cultures, we wanted to flip the script and ask how Southeast Asian countries see us,” Suzannah says.
She adds that the research provides valuable insights at a time when New Zealanders feel increasingly connected to the region and our engagement with Southeast Asia is deepening.
“New Zealanders increasingly view Southeast Asia as a close and trusted part of our region — and it’s equally important that we understand how our neighbours perceive us. That understanding helps us strengthen relationships, tailor engagement and have a more informed public conversation about Asia.”
Respondents describe New Zealand as a friend or close friend to their countries, and as a like-minded partner in several key areas. They see broad alignment with New Zealand on economic and security priorities, though somewhat different in political and governance ideals.
While perceptions were overwhelmingly positive, respondents expressed a desire for New Zealand to take a stronger and more visible stance on global issues such as trade, climate change and maritime security.
Respondents also indicated a strong appetite for deeper cooperation between Southeast Asia and New Zealand in areas such as education, reflecting the sense that New Zealand’s efforts in the region are valued and make a tangible impact.
“New Zealand is seen as investing wisely in the region and the appetite for partnership is there- particularly on shared global challenges, where New Zealand’s credibility and capability are recognised,” says Dr Julia Macdonald, the Foundation’s director of research and engagement.
As New Zealand’s relationships across Southeast Asia continue to strengthen, the findings reinforce that the country’s reputation in the region is both positive and valuable, but at the same time, expectations are rising as regional challenges evolve.
“Our Southeast Asian partners value what New Zealand brings. They see us as a constructive, values-driven country whose voice is worth listening to, which is an encouraging message as we continue to grow our engagement with the region,” Suzannah says.
About the research
The Southeast Asian Perceptions of New Zealand research was conducted by Blackbox Research in Singapore between 16 and 26 May 2025, surveying 200 experts (50 each from Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines) aged 31–70, all with working knowledge of New Zealand and its foreign policy. Sixty percent have more than six years of experience in international affairs, and none have lived in New Zealand for more than five years.
For more information, contact:
Taniya Scott
Director communications and media
Asia New Zealand Foundation
Email: c[email protected]
