Australia’s Social Cohesion Stronger Than New Zealand’s, New Report Finds

New research commissioned by the Helen Clark Foundation shows Australians are more positive than New Zealanders about a range of social cohesion measures.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon (L) and Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese speak to the media during a press conference at Australian Parliament House in Canberra on Aug. 16, 2024. Tracey Nearmy/Pool/Getty Images

Researchers at the Auckland-based Talbot Mills, which was commissioned by the Helen Clark Foundation to examine social cohesion in New Zealand, admit they were surprised to find it much lower there than in Australia.

The report’s co-author, economist and commentator Shamubeel Eaqub, admitted that they'd expected to find results similar to, or even a little better than, Australia’s.