The Pacific is not just where we come from — it’s where our future lies.
At a time when the world is looking to the Pacific with renewed strategic interest, we invite New Zealanders to turn inward and reflect on our unique role in the region — as family, as neighbours, and as partners.
Perceptions of New Zealanders of the Pacific – 2025 is a bold and timely piece of research that sheds light on how New Zealanders perceive, value, and relate to the Pacific and its peoples. Based on a nationally representative survey and qualitative research with over 2,000 participants, the report provides a snapshot of public attitudes — and also a mirror to our collective identity.
This is our second perceptions study, and it comes at a critical moment.
“As the Pacific becomes more visible on the world stage — from climate diplomacy to regional trade — it is vital that our own backyard understands, engages, and values the region authentically,”
— Joanna Bourke, CEO, Pacific Cooperation Foundation
What’s Inside the Report?
Three core chapters take you on a journey:
Chapter 1: The Value in Our Pacific Connection
Unpacks how identity, shared histories, language, and belonging connect us as a Pacific nation.Chapter 2: Why the Pacific Matters
Highlights the region’s growing role in global climate leadership, economic resilience, migration flows, and cultural influence, as seen through the public’s eyes.Chapter 3: What More Should We Be Doing?
Explores where New Zealanders want to see action: in education, trade, development, and meaningful regional partnerships.
Why Now?
From the Blue Pacific 2050 Strategy to rising geopolitical tensions, the Pacific is no longer a quiet corner of the map — it is a region of power, potential, and people.
This report brings the voices of everyday New Zealanders into the conversation — to challenge assumptions, uplift truths, and inspire action.
It’s also a resource.
For teachers. For policymakers. For youth. For leaders.
And most of all — for talanoa: the deep, open dialogue our region needs now more than ever.
“Our ocean doesn’t divide us — it connects us. It’s time we acted like it.”
Read the Full Report
Join the Talanoa
Help us share the findings, spark kōrero, and amplify Pacific voices.
Whether around the dinner table, in boardrooms, classrooms or policy circles — this is the moment to reimagine our Pacific relationships.
📢 Follow the conversation:
#PerceptionsPacific #PacificVoicesNZ #BluePacific2050
