23/06/2026
Many are saying:
“The Philippines is somewhat important, but not among the most important countries for NZ’s future.”
The Bottom line is
The graph does not say the Philippines lacks value to New Zealand. It shows that New Zealanders currently perceive the Philippines as less important to New Zealand’s future than China, Japan, India, Singapore, and South Korea. That’s a ranking of public opinion, not a measure of the Philippines’ actual economic, social, or strategic contribution to New Zealand.