- though they tend to incorrectly identify China as New Zealand’s largest investor

Titled Perceptions of China Monitor: Survey 2018, the first-ever survey done by the New Zealand China Council has revealed interesting insights into New Zealanders’ perceptions of China, as a comprehensive partner in trade, science, the arts and more. The online survey of 1,001 New Zealanders aged 18 years and over, conducted between the 2nd and 9th of February 2018, showed that overall, opinions of New Zealand’s relationship with China are positive.

Also, many New Zealanders say they are keen for more engagement with China, such as increased trade and investment in tourism and education. On the cultural front, the survey shows New Zealanders are well aware of the value of learning Mandarin, and many are keen to visit China in the future. 

At the same time, the survey reveals most New Zealanders think China benefits more from the relationship than we do. It also shows concerns about perceived levels of Chinese investment in commercial and residential property. 

Some key findings:

• 43% of New Zealanders say New Zealand’s relationship with China is positive, three times as many who say it is negative (14%).

• 41% of New Zealanders believe that China benefits the most from the New Zealand China relationship. 28% think both countries benefit equally, and 16% think New Zealand benefits most.

• Over one third of New Zealanders would like to see trade between New Zealand and China increase. Almost as many (38%) want it to stay the same. 12% want to see it decrease.

• New Zealanders tend incorrectly to identify China as New Zealand’s largest investor. New Zealanders also incorrectly believe Hotels, Commercial Property and Residential Housing are the top areas in which China invests in New Zealand.

• 69% of New Zealanders think Mandarin is one of the most useful foreign languages New Zealand schools can teach.