New Zealanders are increasingly viewing China as a friend over the United States, according to the 2026 Perceptions of Asia and Asian Peoples report. Data from the Asia New Zealand Foundation shows perceptions of China as a friend rose to 43 percent, while perceptions of the U.S. dropped to 39 percent. This marks the first time in a decade that sentiment toward China has surpassed that of the U.S. in the annual survey.
Why is New Zealand’s perception of the U.S. cooling?
Trust in the United States has declined significantly, falling from 61 percent to 39 percent in the latest survey. David Capie, director of the Centre for Strategic Studies at Victoria University of Wellington, attributes this shift to specific geopolitical tensions occurring during the polling period. Capie points to the U.S. stance on Venezuela and rhetoric regarding the potential acquisition of Greenland as primary drivers of this cooling sentiment.
Japan remains the most trusted power in Asia for New Zealanders, a position it has held consistently since the survey began tracking these metrics in 2017.
How does Asia influence daily life in New Zealand?
Cultural engagement is a major factor in how New Zealanders perceive the region, with 60 percent of respondents reporting a connection to Asian cultures in their daily lives. Julia Macdonald, the foundation’s director of research, notes that food, travel, and entertainment are the primary avenues for this connection. In the past year, travel to Asian destinations increased by 14 percent, with China, India, Indonesia, and Japan leading as top choices for Kiwi travelers.
| Metric | 2025/26 Status |
|---|---|
| Perception of China as “Friend” | 43% (Up from 38%) |
| Perception of U.S. as “Friend” | 39% (Down from 61%) |
What is the future of Asian-New Zealand migration?
While over half of New Zealanders view immigration from Asia as a positive development, this sentiment has dipped four percentage points compared to the previous year. Emeritus professor Paul Spoonley suggests that while the overall trajectory remains positive—up 12 percentage points from a decade ago—more support is required to help new migrants settle. Spoonley emphasizes that Asian populations are now deeply integrated into New Zealand’s metropolitan centers, influencing everything from local sports to media consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country is considered New Zealand’s closest friend in Asia?
Japan remains the most trusted Asian partner for New Zealand, consistently ranking as the closest friend, top defense partner, and most trusted regional power.
Are New Zealanders interested in South Asian culture?
Yes. The report indicates a growing awareness of South Asian nations like India, Pakistan, and Nepal, though self-reported knowledge of these countries still trails behind other Asian sub-regions.
How do younger New Zealanders interact with Asian culture?
Younger generations are the primary consumers of Asia-related entertainment, including movies, TV shows, and music, with Japanese and South Korean productions leading in popularity.
How do you think these shifting perceptions will impact New Zealand’s foreign policy in the coming years? Share your thoughts in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on Pacific and Asian affairs.