New Zealanders eye Asia's rising importance, seek stronger connections
The Asia New Zealand Foundation’s Perceptions of Asia and Asian Peoples survey shows New Zealanders see Asia as a high-priority region for engagement.
Now in its 27th year, the latest survey released today shows New Zealanders continue to see the Asia region as being very important to New Zealand’s future. New Zealanders’ interests in Asia are growing year-on-year, particularly among young New Zealanders. New Zealanders’ knowledge of the region is also at an all-time high.
"The data shows a clear shift towards a more informed and engaged New Zealand public when it comes to Asia. Today, roughly six out of ten (59 percent) New Zealanders say they feel reasonably knowledgeable about Asia, up from about three out of ten (33 percent) a decade ago,” says Suzannah Jessep, chief executive of the Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono.
Seventy-five percent of New Zealanders over the age of fifteen believe that having a strong relationship with Asia is important to New Zealand's future. “No matter what metric we look at, the Asia region is going to be hugely consequential to us.
Whether it’s technology, demographic change, trade, environment, politics, arts or sports. Asia has the demographic dividend which means it is growing faster than most others, and therefore it will likely shape the future trends that impact us most.
The survey underscores a growing sentiment among New Zealanders that prioritising engagement with the region is paramount," says Jessep.
Equally, the survey shows New Zealanders’ wariness around some countries and their activities.
“What we see each year is how New Zealanders are assessing the Asia region, and who they consider friendly towards New Zealand and the developments they’re comfortable with, against who they consider a little bit threatening or are uneasy about."
“One of the trends we’re watching is the rise of India and its perceived importance to New Zealand.”
India has overtaken Singapore as the third most important Asian country to New Zealand’s future, following China and Japan and ahead of Singapore and South Korea.
New Zealanders also expect India’s influence over New Zealand to rise in the next ten-to-twenty years. South Asia is now seen to be equally important as Southeast Asia.
Japan holds strong as New Zealand's closest friend and partner in Asia, reflecting warm people to people connections, high levels of trust, and strong levels of interest among New Zealanders. Food and travel to Asia, alongside cultural connections are also rated highly.
"New Zealand has a unique position for effective engagement with Asia," says Jessep.
New Zealanders of Asian heritage, as well as New Zealanders who identify as Māori, have skills and cultural know-how that can play an important role in building deeper relations with our key partners in Asia.
“This is a region where relationships, rather than transactions, matter most.
"While trade continues to be a key area of focus when it comes to Asia, for younger New Zealanders we’re seeing an interest forged through gaming, entertainment, online communities, music and video"
Nearly six in ten New Zealanders have visited Asia, primarily for leisure purposes, underscoring the importance of experiential learning in fostering cross-cultural understanding.
“This year’s Perceptions of Asia and Asian Peoples sends a clear message that Asia is going to continue to be a hugely consequential part of New Zealand’s future — the need to understand the region and New Zealand’s connections to it is only going to grow in importance,” says Jessep.
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For more information, contact:
Taniya Scott | Director communications and media | Email: tscott@asianz.org.nz | Phone: 027 226 8707
About the New Zealanders’ Perceptions of Asia and Asian Peoples Survey
Conducted annually since 1997, the Perceptions of Asia survey by the Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono provides valuable insights into New Zealanders' connections to and perceptions of Asia.
The research helps inform the Foundation’s work but is also used by a range of other sectors, organisations and governments to gauge public sentiment on Asia and better understand how New Zealanders see the Asia region and regional developments.
The 2024 Perceptions of Asia and Asian Peoples survey covers a range of themes including: New Zealanders' perceptions of Asia's importance to New Zealand's future; public perceptions of regional political, security and economic trends; public perceptions of New Zealand’s closest friends and partners in the region; New Zealanders' Asia knowledge levels; New Zealanders' everyday interests in Asia in terms of travel, cuisine, media engagement and entertainment consumption.
