New Report Confirms Australia’s Stronger Social Cohesion Compared to New Zealand
New research commissioned by the Helen Clark Foundation reveals that Australians have a more positive outlook on various social cohesion measures compared to New Zealanders.
Researchers at Auckland-based Talbot Mills, tasked by the Helen Clark Foundation to study social cohesion in New Zealand, were surprised to find lower levels there than in Australia.
The report’s co-author, economist and commentator Shamubeel Eaqub, acknowledged that they had anticipated results similar to or better than Australia’s.
However, upon comparison with a recent Australian study by the Scanlon Foundation Research Institute, only 47 percent of New Zealanders agreed with positive statements about social cohesion, while the figure was 55 percent in Australia.
Propositions presented to participants included statements like “people in my local area are willing to help their neighbors” and “New Zealand is a land of economic opportunity where hard work leads to a better life in the long run.”
Of concern, only half of those surveyed felt that their lives were worthwhile all or most of the time.
The strongest agreement was related to a sense of belonging, with over 80 percent of respondents expressing agreement, but over half reported feeling isolated.
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Community involvement was limited, with only a third participating in social or religious groups, and even fewer in civic or political organizations.
These spaces are crucial for connecting people from diverse backgrounds and sharing experiences,” mentioned Eaqub in media statements.
“Those who belong to clubs or religious groups are generally happier, more likely to vote, and less likely to experience loneliness.”
NZ’s Economic Challenges Impacting Wellbeing
New Zealand’s struggling economy—just emerging from a recession and facing economic challenges—highlighted the disparity. Only a third of New Zealanders felt financially comfortable compared to 60 percent of Australians.
Negativity was particularly pronounced among younger individuals, with satisfaction levels plummeting to only a quarter.
While 13 percent of Australians reported occasional food deprivation, a quarter of New Zealanders experienced food poverty, a distressing statistic according to Eaqub.
New Zealanders also rated their overall happiness lower, with only 55 percent holding a positive outlook compared to 78 percent of Australians. Additionally, 16 percent described themselves as unhappy or very unhappy.
Trust in major institutions has significantly declined in recent times.
Disillusionment among the populace, who once demonstrated unity during COVID-19 lockdowns under then Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, has led to just 42 percent believing the government acts in their best interests.
Skepticism around court decisions also prevails.
Eaquab highlighted how divisions on key issues are increasingly tied to ideology and political affiliations.
A sizeable majority, especially Māori and Pacific Islanders, are advocating for systemic change. While most still support democracy, younger individuals are more open to alternative leadership models, such as expert-led governance.
Interestingly, New Zealanders—often perceived as more relaxed and inclusive—hold more conservative views than Australians on immigration. Just over half of survey respondents in New Zealand believe immigrants benefit the economy, whereas in Australia, this rate surpasses 80 percent.
While two-thirds of New Zealanders support multiculturalism, in Australia, this figure exceeds 85 percent—an evident contrast, as per Eaqub.
