Driving New Zealand’s Economic Relationship With Asia

The Importance Of Growing Connections, Capacity And Confidence

Abstract

How does New Zealand’s engagement across the Asia region affect New Zealand’s prosperity and security? New Zealand’s approach to developing economic, political and people-to-people connections across Asia has changed considerably over the last few decades. This article seeks to highlight some of those changes, including how the New Zealand public’s perceptions of Asia have changed over time and how this has shaped New Zealand foreign policy. The critical question is whether enough is being done – across public, private and community sectors – to help position New Zealand as a highvalue partner in Asia for the long term.