National polling conducted in New Zealand has revealed significant public support for free movement with Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom.
Written by James Skinner
The survey was conducted between May 15th and July 15th by CANZUK International, with 3,500 respondents. The question posed was:
“At present, citizens of New Zealand exercise reciprocal freedom of movement with Australia through the Trans-Tasman Travel Agreement. This provides rights for citizens of New Zealand and Australia to live and work indefinitely in either country without the requirement of time-limited visas or work permits.
Would you support or oppose the same rights for British and Canadian citizens to exercise freedom of movement within the Trans-Tasman Travel Agreement, with citizens of New Zealand and Australia also granted rights to live and work indefinitely in Canada and the United Kingdom?”
An overwhelming majority of New Zealanders – 84% – said they supported the proposal. Only 9% opposed.
The poll shows growing support in New Zealand for CANZUK free movement (freedom of movement between Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the UK), as earlier polling conducted in 2016 showed support varying between 81% and 82%.
Polling within the other 3 countries in January 2017 showed 77% support in Canada, 72% in Australia and 64% in the United Kingdom, making New Zealand the most supportive nation of free movement between the CANZUK countries.
CANZUK International will be submitting the survey results to Members of Parliament in Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, encouraging negotiations between the national governments to implement freedom of movement for citizens of the CANZUK countries.
We will also be meeting with senior government officials in the coming weeks to ensure free trade, freedom of movement and foreign policy cooperation are discussed as part of upcoming trade negotiations, following the United Kingdom’s declaration of withdrawal from the European Union and commitment to closer ties with Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
Join CANZUK International on social media