Image: Antoine Schibler/Unsplash
A new nationwide perceptions study released by the European Union Delegation to New Zealand shows strong support among New Zealanders for deeper engagement with Europe across trade, innovation, security and shared values — reflecting the growing momentum of the EU–New Zealand partnership.
The findings were highlighted alongside Europe Day 2026 celebrations (6 May) held at Parliament in New Zealand’s capital Wellington, hosted by Todd McClay, Minister for Trade and Investment. More than 300 guests attended, including Ministers, Members of Parliament, business leaders, researchers, civil society representatives and Team Europe partners.
Speaking at the event, European Union Ambassador to New Zealand Lawrence Meredith described the EU–NZ relationship as one built on “shared values, trust, and a long-standing partnership between like-minded partners.” The newly released study — the first large-scale quantitative survey examining how the New Zealand public perceive the European Union — suggests those ties continue to deepen.
Key study findings include:
● 93% of respondents view the European Union as an important trading partner for New Zealand.
● Trade was identified as the most important aspect of the relationship, followed closely by innovation and science, security cooperation, and people-to-people links.
● The European Union ranked second only to the United States as a perceived leader in international politics.
● Respondents associated Europe strongly with culture, sustainability, quality of life and innovation.
● Awareness of the EU–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement remains comparatively low, with just over one-third of respondents aware that New Zealand has an FTA with the European Union.
European Union – New Zealand Business Summit 2025 in Auckland – Archive-Image: Newspac Media NZ International
The study was conducted across two polling periods in 2025 during a time of heightened geopolitical uncertainty and changing global trade dynamics. Ambassador Meredith said the findings reflected the growing strategic importance of the relationship. “The study confirms what we increasingly see in practice: the European Union and New Zealand are closer than ever.”
“At a time when countries are looking for trusted and reliable partners, the EU and New Zealand are building a modern partnership that delivers practical benefits across trade, research, innovation, climate action, security and people-to-people connections.”
The findings come as cooperation between the European Union and New Zealand continues to expand across multiple sectors. Since the EU–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement entered into force on 1 May 2024, New Zealand exports to the European Union have increased by more than NZ$3 billion, making Europe one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing export destinations.
Research and innovation cooperation is also accelerating through Horizon Europe, the EU’s flagship research and innovation programme. New Zealand — the first global partner to associate to Horizon Europe — is now participating in 22 successful partnerships spanning health, climate resilience, agriculture, advanced manufacturing, digital technologies and inclusive societies.
The report also identifies opportunities to deepen public understanding of the partnership, particularly around the Free Trade Agreement, Europe’s engagement in the Pacific, and perceptions of doing business in European markets. The EU Delegation to NZ said the findings will help inform future public diplomacy, communications and stakeholder engagement activities as the European Union–New Zealand partnership continues to grow across government, business, research and civil society.
NAN/EU Delegation to New Zealand 13-05-26
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