New Zealand’s View of the U. S. Shifts: A New Threat, Not a Friend

A recent survey by the Asia New Zealand Foundation reveals a surprising shift in how New Zealanders perceive the world’s leading powers.

The perception of the U.S. has fallen noticeably over the past year, while attitudes toward China have improved.

Key Findings

• 81 % of respondents believe that stronger ties with Asian countries are essential for New Zealand’s future, citing economic strength, resilience, and safety.
• New Zealand has long cooperated with Washington on defense, security, and technology, viewing the U.S. as a stabilizing partner in the Indo‑Pacific.
• However, New Zealand exporters feel the impact of U.S. tariffs, and rising oil prices linked to conflicts in Israel and Iran add economic strain.

Economic Lens on Security

Experts note that New Zealanders still judge security largely through an economic lens. Trade disruptions and tariffs weigh heavily on public opinion—a trend also seen in other Western democracies. A parallel poll from the University of Sydney found that many Australians, Japanese, and Indians believe President Trump’s second term has been harmful to their nations.