New Zealanders value Pacific ties but lack real connection - report

Most New Zealanders see the Pacific as vital to the country’s future, yet far fewer Kiwis feel genuinely connected to the region, a new report finds.

The New Zealanders’ Perceptions of the Pacific 2025 report by the Pacific Cooperation Foundation (PCF) and The Research Agency, surveyed more than 1800 New Zealanders.

It found 87 per cent of New Zealanders believe Pacific nations are important to Aotearoa New Zealand’s future, and 90 per cent say building political, economic and social ties is essential.

However, only 55 per cent feel close to Pacific nations with just 50 per cent feeling connected to Pacific cultures.

Speaking to William Terite on Pacific Mornings, PCF Chief Executive Joanna Bourke says the findings show a clear gap in understanding.

“There's a lot of ways of looking at why there is a disconnect but obviously we're not doing enough work to be able to increase the education, but also the knowledge around the diversity that exists around the Pacific,” Bourke says.

The Pacific is often “lumped in as one” and although various ministries are working to educate people on the nuances between Pacific countries, more work needs to be done, she says.

“It’s looking outside of our communities, our circles, our villages, and embracing our culture.

“Helping New Zealanders understand more and appreciate what makes the Pacific such a diverse and rich region.”

Watch Joanna Bourke's full interview below.

The research also revealed knowledge of the Pacific remains low. Only seven per cent of New Zealanders say they know a lot about the region.

Bourke says low percentage is “ quite shocking” and reflects a need for more diverse stories in mainstream media

Bourke also points out in the report those surveyed want to know more about the Pacific.

She says it is almost a “cry for help”, and that engaging in an authentic way is key.

Despite limited knowledge, New Zealanders remain optimistic about closer ties and 77 per cent believe New Zealand has a responsibility to support Pacific nations, while 69 per cent say Pacific growth will have a positive impact on New Zealand in the next 10 to 20 years.

The report also found 82 per cent of New Zealanders believe Pacific migrants contribute valuably to the country, but many also think more must be done to ensure they are treated fairly.

Joanna Bourke pushes for the Pacific to be more than a tourist destination for those outside the region. Photo/Tourism Fiji

The report also states 63 per cent of New Zealanders believe Aotearoa should be doing more to help Pacific nations cope with climate change, while 61 per cent of respondents agree New Zealand’s economy benefits from Pacific migrants and 60 per cent believe they are essential to fill labour shortages.

Geopolitics is another area covered in the report, with those surveyed ranking New Zealand as the most influential nation in the Pacific, followed by Australia, China, the United States and Great Britain. .

Bourke says the relationship must expand beyond some of its current means, such as tourism and aid.

The Pacific region is rich in language, culture, goods and services, she adds.

Bourke points to produce like fruits, vegetables and seafood being valuable to Aotearoa and therefore signalling an investment need to meet the food needs in New Zealand.

Listen to Joanna Bourke’s PMN Tonga’s May interview, speaking on why Pacific aid is an investment, not a handout:

“That helps with economic development,” she says.

“How do we promote those suppliers and providers in the Pacific to be able to supply New Zealand markets?”

She says there is a “real cry” for investment in the Pacific goes beyond labour mobility and education.

“Education also comes in because we need to give the Pacific platforms to be able to promote themselves and what they offer beyond tourism.

“It did say in the report New Zealanders want to travel to the Pacific, and we know there are some countries in the Pacific that get a large share of tourism from New Zealand.”

Bourke says policymakers should take a clear message from the findings.

“New Zealanders want to see a lot more being done around building stronger relationships and connecting better and more with the Pacific.”