Kiwis keeping an open mind on TPP

5 October 2012

MEDIA RELEASE

Kiwis keeping an open mind on TPP

The majority of Kiwis support the idea of a Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP), new research has found.

Research commissioned by the NZUS Council has found that 56.3 per cent of New Zealanders surveyed support or strongly support the TPP. 13.4 per cent oppose the negotiation, with 30.4 per cent keeping an open mind.

“The research is an important contribution to the debate around free trade. It shows New Zealanders are prepared to see where the TPP negotiation leads rather than give into scaremongering," said NZ US Council Executive Director, Stephen Jacobi.

The research found that 60.5 per cent believe New Zealand needs to do more to connect with global markets, with just 9.4 per cent opposing such moves.

"In the lead up to the TPP negotiation round in Auckland in December, Kiwis are quite rightly thinking about the way New Zealand trades with the world," said Mr Jacobi.

"As a small South Pacific economy, New Zealand needs revenue and investment from global markets to provide growth and jobs and funding for health and education.

When prompted, 48.4 per cent of respondents knew about TPP with another 59.3 per cent wanting to know more about TPP and free trade.

The research also found that a majority of Kiwis (64.4 per cent) believe increased trade between New Zealand and the United States is a good idea. Only 12.1 per cent are opposed to it.

"Freer trade will create more opportunities for exporters and more choice for consumers, and ultimately more jobs for Kiwis. The TPP provides an opportunity to maximise these benefits. TPP is a work in progress but it’s an important first step towards to adopting a seamless economic space around the Asia Pacific region," said Mr Jacobi.

"Public debate around TPP issues is a welcome and indeed necessary part of this process.

"High quality and forward-looking agreements like TPP are necessary for business to play its part in building a stronger and more resilient global economy on which New Zealand’s economic livelihood relies."

The research was conducted by Buzz Research between 18-21 September 2012 with 1018 respondents aged 18 – 64 in New Zealand. It has a margin of error of +/- 3.1.

ENDS

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