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Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................................................................................... 2
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY................................................................................................................................................................ 3
1. COVID-19 IMPACT ON MENTAL HEALTH AND INCOME ............................................................................................................ 6
2. MĀORI, PASIFIKA, AND ASIANS ARE DISPROPORTIONALLY BURDENED DUE TO COVID-19 ......................................................... 7
3. COVID-19 PROTECTIVE BEHAVIOURS ....................................................................................................................................... 9
4. SUPPORT FOR NATIONAL AND REGIONAL LOCKDOWN .......................................................................................................... 10
5. A MAJORITY RATE GOVERNMENT’S COMMUNICATION ABOUT COVID-19 AS EXCELLENT ........................................................ 11
6. ATTITUDES TOWARDS IMMIGRANTS’ CONTRIBUTION TO ECONOMY AND CULTURE ............................................................... 12
7. SUPPORT FOR REDUCING OR STOPPING IMMIGRATION ......................................................................................................... 13
8. EXPERIENCES OF DISCRIMINATION ........................................................................................................................................ 14
9. EXPERIENCES OF DISCRIMINATION DUE TO ETHNIC ORIGIN BY ETHNICITY .............................................................................. 15
10. WITNESSING INCIDENTS OF DISCRIMINATION ..................................................................................................................... 16
11. PERCEPTIONS ABOUT RACISM IN NEW ZEALAND FOLLOWING COVID-19 .............................................................................. 17
12. ABOUT HALF OF MĀORI, PASIFIKA, AND ASIANS SAY INCIDENTS OF RACISM IN NEW ZEALAND HAS INCREASED FOLLOWING
COVID-19 ................................................................................................................................................................................. 18
13. TRUST IN INFORMATION SOURCES ...................................................................................................................................... 19
SURVEY METHOD ..................................................................................................................................................................... 20
SAMPLE DEMOGRAPHICS ......................................................................................................................................................... 21
REFERENCES............................................................................................................................................................................. 22
2
Introduction
Aotearoa New Zealand Public Responses to COVID-19: March 2021
This report is based on findings from a national survey conducted by the School of Communication, Journalism
& Marketing—Te Pou Aro Kōrero, Massey University and fielded by Qualtrics. Interview dates: February 15 to
March 6, 2021. Interviews: 1083 adults (18+ years). Average margin of error: +/- 3 percentage points at the
95% confidence level. The research was funded by Massey University. See Survey Method below for more
information.
Research Lead:
Jagadish Thaker (JT), PhD
School of Communication, Journalism & Marketing | Te Pou Aro Kōrero
Massey Business School | Kaupapa Whai Pakihi
Massey University | Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa
Cite as
Thaker, J. (2021). Aotearoa New Zealand Public Responses to COVID-19: March 2021. Wellington, New
Zealand: Massey University.
3
Executive Summary
Drawing on a national survey (N = 1083), this report describes how the New Zealand public has responded to
the spread of COVID-19. It provides an update to a similar survey conducted in June-July 2020 (Thaker &
Menon, 2020).
1. Two-Thirds of New Zealanders are Concerned that They or Someone They Know Will Become
Infected with COVID-19
• A majority of New Zealanders (64%) are either very concerned (23%) or somewhat concerned (41%)
that they or a member of their family or a friend will become infected with COVID-19. A quarter say
they are not very concerned (25%) and a small minority say they are not at all concerned (11%)
• Just over one in ten (11%) say they or someone they know has been infected with COVID-19
• Only a small minority (5%) say that they or someone they know was hospitalised due to COVID-19
2. Many New Zealanders Continue to Say the COVID-19 Pandemic Has Impacted Mental Health and
Income
• Nearly half of New Zealanders say they or a household member had trouble sleeping because of the
spread of COVID-19 (46%), a small increase from the June-July 2020 survey (43%)
• Four in ten say they or a household member felt depressed (40%, 41% in June-July 2020)
• One in five New Zealanders say they or a household member lost income from a job or business (20%,
33% in June-July 2020)
• Nearly one in nine New Zealanders say they or a family member lost a job (11%, 13% in June-July
2020) or have filed for unemployment benefits (12%, 14% in June-July 2020)
3. Māori, Pasifika, and Asians are Disproportionally Burdened due to COVID-19
• Pasifika (23%), Māori (17%), and Asians (15%) were twice or more likely to say they or a household
member has lost a job compared to New Zealand Europeans (7%)
• Asians (27%), Māori (23%), and Pasifika (21%) are more likely to say they have lost income from a job,
business, or investments compared to New Zealand Europeans (18%)
• Māori (25%), Pasifika (19%), and Asians (15%) are about two to three times more likely to say they
have filed for unemployment benefits compared to New Zealand Europeans (8%)
• Māori (48%), Pasifika (45%), and Asians (41%) are more likely to say they felt depressed compared to
New Zealand Europeans (36%)
• Māori (57%), Pasifika (47%), and Asians (41%) are more likely to say they had trouble sleeping
compared to New Zealand Europeans (36%)
4. A Large Majority of New Zealanders Adopted Protective Behaviours such as using the Contact
Tracing App, Mask Wearing, and Self-Isolation when Unwell
• Three in four New Zealanders (77%) say they have always (34%), often (28%) or sometimes (15%)
used contact tracing app to record visits to office, supermarkets and other venues
• About seven in ten (71%) say encouraged family and friends to use contract tracing app to record their
visits to supermarkets and other venues
• Seven in ten (70%) say that they have self-isolated at home when not feeling well; in June-July 2020,
61% said the same
4
• Similarly, about seven in ten (68%) say they wore a mask in public to help protect themselves or others
from getting sick. There is a sharp rise from the June-July 2020 survey where about half (48%) said they
sometimes, often, or always wore a mask when in public spaces.
5. An Overwhelming Majority Support National and Regional Lockdown if there are New Infections in
New Zealand
• More than eight in ten New Zealanders (81%) somewhat support (28%) or strongly support (53%) a
national lockdown if there are new infections in New Zealand. A minority somewhat (12%) or strongly
(7%) oppose such a measure
• More than nine in ten New Zealanders (94%) somewhat (21%) or strongly support (73%) support a
regional lockdown if there are new infections in New Zealand. Only a very small minority somewhat
(4%) or strongly (3%) oppose such a measure
6. A Large Majority of New Zealanders Rate Government Communication about COVID-19 as Effective
• A large majority of New Zealanders rate the government’s communication efforts to the public in
response to COVID-19 as simple, clear, empathetic, kind, trustworthy—key principles of effective
public health communication. They also rate it as excellent
7. Many New Zealanders Say Immigrants from UK, South Africa, Fiji, China, and India Contribute to
New Zealand’s Economy and Culture
• More than 8 in 10 New Zealanders say immigrants from UK had very good (24%) or somewhat good
(57%) impact on New Zealand’s economy and culture. Only 2 in 10 say their contribution is somewhat
bad (12.5%) or very bad (6.5%)
• More than 7 in 10 New Zealanders say that immigrants from South Africa (74%) and Fiji (71%)
positively contribute to New Zealand’s economy and culture
• More than 6 in 10 New Zealanders say contribution of immigrants from China (66%) and India (63%)
on national economy and culture has been very good or good. However, more than a third (34%-37%)
feel that immigrants from China and India had a bad or very bad influence on nation’s economy and
culture
8. Many New Zealanders Support Reducing or Stopping Immigration Following the COVID-19 Impact
• More than 8 in 10 New Zealanders strongly (54%) or somewhat support (27%) reducing or stopping
immigration from countries that have poorly managed their response to the coronavirus such as the US
• About 7 in 10 New Zealanders strongly (36%) or somewhat support (35%) reducing or stopping
immigration from countries like China, similar to the June-July 2020 survey (70%)
• About 7 in 10 (68%) say they strongly (36%) or somewhat support (32%) reducing or stopping tourists
from countries like China, a bit lower compared to the June-July 2020 survey (74%)
• More than 6 in 10 (64%) support reducing or stopping international students from countries like China
• More than 6 in 10 (61%) New Zealanders strongly or somewhat support reducing or stopping
immigration from all countries, lower than the June-July 2020 survey (69%)
9. A Quarter or More Report Experiencing Discrimination Due to their Ethnic Origin at Government
Departments, Workplace, Restaurants & Shopping, Real Estate, and Healthcare Settings
• About a third New Zealanders (32%) they have either sometimes (20%), often (7%) or very often (5%)
experienced discrimination when dealing with government departments and services
5
• About 3 in 10 say they have experienced discrimination at least sometimes when applying for
employment (29%), in their workplace (29%), or when applying for unemployment benefits (27%)
• More than a quarter say they have experienced discrimination at least sometimes at a shop or restaurant
(27%) or when renting or buying a house (25%)
• A quarter report experiencing discrimination in hospitals or healthcare settings (25%) or accessing
banking, finance or legal services (24%)
• Māori, Pasifika, and Asians report substantially higher incidences of discrimination compared to
European New Zealanders
10. More than 2 in 5 Say Incidents of Racism in New Zealand has Increased following COVID-19
• Over 2 in 5 (41%) say incidents of racism in New Zealand has increased following COVID-19. Seven
percent say they have decreased and 52% say it has remained the same.
• More than four in ten say that they have seen other people discriminate against individuals because of
how these individuals look or spoke English: very often (6.5%), often (9%), and sometimes (27%).
However, over half say hardly ever (23%) and never (34%)
• Over half of Māori, Pasifika, and Asians say incidents of racism in New Zealand has increased
following COVID-19
11. Local Doctor or General Practitioner (GP), Medical and Health Experts, Scientists, and Prime
Minister Jacinda Ardern are Highly Trusted Sources of Accurate Information
• Local doctor or General Practitioner (GP) was the most trusted source of accurate information, followed
by infectious disease experts, medical experts, scientists, and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern
• Family and friends were also highly trusted source of accurate information for the New Zealand public
• Moderate levels of trust in mass media news such as TV news, radio news (such as RNZ), daily
newspapers (such as the New Zealand Herald), online news (such as Stuff.co.nz), international press
(such as The Guardian and The New York Times)
• Low levels of trust in social media such as YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook
6
1. COVID-19 Impact on Mental Health and Income
Many New Zealanders Continue to Report Negative Impacts on Mental Health and Income due to
COVID-19
• Nearly half of New Zealanders say they or a household member had trouble sleeping because of the
spread of COVID-19 (46%), similar to 43% in June-July 2020 survey
• Four in ten say they or a household member felt depressed (40%, 41% in June-July 2020)
• One in five New Zealanders say they or a household member lost income from a job or business (20%,
33% in June-July 2020)
• Nearly one in nine New Zealanders say they or a family member lost a job (11%, 13% in June-July
2020) or have filed for unemployment benefits (12%, 14% in June-July 2020)
13 14
33
41 43
11 12
20
40
46
0
50
Lost a job Filed for
unemployment
benefits
Lost income from a
job, business or
investments
Felt depressed Had trouble sleeping
Mental Health and Economic Impact due to COVID-19
Yes (June-July 2020) Yes (Feb-March 2021)
In the last 2 months, have you or a member of your household experienced any of the following because
of the spread of the COVID-19, or not?
7
2. Māori, Pasifika, and Asians are Disproportionally Burdened due to COVID-19
In June-July 2020 survey, Māori, Pasifika, and Asians reported higher rates of job loss, loss of income, and
mental health impact as a result of COVID-19 compared to New Zealand Europeans.
Similarly, in Feb-March 2021 survey, Asians (27%), Māori (23%) and Pasifika (21%) are more likely to say
they have lost income from a job, business, or investments compared to New Zealand Europeans (18%). Asians
(27%), Māori (23%) and Pasifika (21%) are more likely to say they have lost income from a job, business, or
investments compared to New Zealand Europeans (18%). Pasifika (23%), Māori (17%), and Asians (15%) were
twice or more likely to say they or a household member has lost a job compared to New Zealand Europeans
(7%). Māori (25%), Pasifika (19%), and Asians (15%) are about two to three times more likely to say they have
filed for unemployment benefits compared to New Zealand Europeans (8%) due to COVID-19.
Māori (48%), Pasifika (45%), and Asians (41%) are more likely to say they felt depressed compared to New
Zealand Europeans (36%). Māori (57%), Pasifika (47%), and Asians (41%) are more likely to say they had
trouble sleeping compared to New Zealand Europeans (36%) because of the spread of COVID-19.
7% 8%
18%
36%
44%
17%
25% 23%
48%
57%
23%
19% 21%
45% 47%
15%
11%
27%
41% 41%
0%
30%
60%
Lost a job Filed for
unemployment
benefits
Lost income from a job
or business
Felt depressed Had trouble sleeping
Mental Health and Economic Impact due to COVID-19 across Ethnicity
2021 survey
European New Zealander Māori Pasifika Asian
8
11%
7%
20%
17% 19%
23%
15% 15%
10% 8%
27% 25%
18% 19% 15%
11%
30%
18%
41%
23% 25%
21%
39%
27%
38% 36%
49% 48%
44%
45%
44%
41%41%
44%
58% 57%
32%
47%
38%
41%
0%
35%
70%
European NZ
(June-July
2020)
European NZ
(Feb-March
2021)
Māori (June-
July 2020)
Māori (Feb-
March 2021)
Pasifika
(June-July
2020)
Pasifika (Feb-
March 2021)
Asian (June-
July 2020)
Asian (Feb-
March 2021)
Mental Health and Economic Impact due to COVID-19 across Ethnicity
between 2020 and 2021
Lost a job Filed for unemployment benefits Lost income from a job or business
Felt depressed Had trouble sleeping
9
3. COVID-19 Protective Behaviours
A Large Majority of New Zealanders Adopted Protective Behaviours such as using the Contact Tracing
App, Mask Wearing, and Self-Isolation when Unwell
Three in four New Zealanders (77%) say they have always (34%), often (28%) or sometimes (15%) used
contact tracing app to record visits to office, supermarkets and other venues.
About seven in ten (71%) say they encouraged family and friends to use contract tracing app to record their
visits to supermarkets and other venues.
Seven in ten (70%) say that they have self-isolated at home when not feeling well; in June-July 2020, 61% said
the same.
Similarly, about seven in ten (68%) say they wore a mask in public to help protect themselves or others from
getting sick. There is a sharp rise from the June-July 2020 survey where only about half (48%) said they
sometimes, often, or always wore a mask when in public spaces.
18 22 18 24
5
814 7
15
20
27
14
28
25
21
17
34
26 20
39
0%
50%
100%
Used contact tracing app to
record your visits to office,
supermarkets and other
venues
Encouraged family and
friends to use contact tracing
app to record their visits to
supermarkets and other
venues
Wore a mask in public to help
protect yourself or others
from getting sick
Self-isolated at home when
not feeling well
COVID-19 Protective Behaviours
Never Rarely Sometimes Often Always
10
4. Support for National and Regional Lockdown
An Overwhelming Majority Support National and Regional Lockdown if there are New Infections in
New Zealand
More than eight in ten New Zealanders (81%) support a national lockdown if there are new infections in New
Zealand. A minority somewhat (12%) or strongly (7%) oppose such a measure.
More than nine in ten New Zealanders (94%) support a regional lockdown if there are new infections in New
Zealand. Only a very small minority somewhat (4%) or strongly (3%) oppose such a measure.
53
73
28
21
12
4
73
0%
50%
100%
A national lockdown Regional lockdown of infected areas
Support for National and Regional Lockdows
Strongly support Somewhat support Somewhat oppose Strongly oppose
If there are newer infections in New Zealand, how supportive are you of the following to control the spread of
COVID-19 in local communities?
11
5. A Majority Rate Government’s Communication about COVID-19 as Excellent
A Majority of New Zealanders Express Very High Praise for the Government’s Communication about
COVID-19
Simple, clear messages, communicated with empathy and kindness, and repeated often by a variety of trusted
messengers, is the mantra for effective public health communication (Maibach, 2016; Thaker, 2020).
When asked to rate government communication efforts to public in response to COVID-19, on a 7-point bipolar
scale (e.g., 1=clear–7=unclear; 1=empathetic–7=unempathetic), a majority rated the New Zealand government’s
communication as effective and excellent.
Mean values are represented below with lower mean values indicating higher praise.
12
6. Attitudes towards Immigrants’ Contribution to Economy and Culture
Many New Zealanders Say Immigrants from UK, South Africa, Fiji, China, and India Contribute to New
Zealand’s Economy and Culture
24 19 18 17 17
57
55 54 49 47
13
18 22
22 25
78712 12
0%
50%
100%
UK Immigrants South Africa
Immigrants
Fiji Immigrants China Immigrants India Immigrants
Immigrants Contribution to New Zealand's Economy and Culture
Very good Somewhat good Somewhat bad Very bad
Generally speaking, how do you see the following immigrants' contribution to New Zealand's economy and
culture?
13
7. Support for Reducing or Stopping Immigration
Strong Support to Reduce or Stop Immigration following COVID-19
More than 8 in 10 New Zealanders strongly support (54%) or somewhat support (27%) reducing or stopping
immigration from countries that have poorly managed their response to the coronavirus such as the US.
About 7 in 10 New Zealanders strongly (36%) or somewhat support (35%) reducing or stopping immigration
from countries like China, similar to the June-July 2020 survey (70%). About 7 in 10 strongly (36%) or
somewhat support (32%) reducing or stopping tourists from countries like China, a bit lower compared to the
June-July 2020 survey (74%). More than 6 in 10 (64%) support reducing or stopping international students from
countries like China.
More than 6 in 10 (61%) New Zealanders strongly or somewhat support reducing or stopping immigration from
all countries, lower than the June-July 2020 survey (69%).
54
36 36 29 28
27
35 32
35 33
13
20 21 24 25
6912 12 13
0%
50%
100%
Reduce or stop
immigration from
countries that have
poorly manged their
response to the
coronavirus such as the
US
Reduce or stop
immigration from
countries like China
Reduce or stop tourists
from countries like China
Reduce or stop
international students
from countries like China
Reduce or stop
immigration from all
countries
Support for Reducing or Stopping Immigration Following COVID-19
Strongly support Somewhat support Somewhat oppose Strongly oppose
14
8. Experiences of Discrimination
A Quarter or More Report Experiencing Discrimination at Government Departments, Workplace,
Restaurants & Shopping, Real Estate, and Healthcare Settings
56554434
78686877
20 15 19 14 17 13 15 13
68 71 71 73 73 75 75 76
0%
50%
100%
At government
departments
When applying
for employment
At your
workplace
When applying
for
unemployment
benefits
At a shop or
restaurant
When renting or
buying a house
In hospitals or
other healthcare
settings
Accessing
banking,
finance, or legal
services
Experiences of Discrimination due to Ethnic Origin
Very often Often Sometimes Never
Following COVID-19, how often have you experienced discrimination in New Zealand because of your own ethnic
origin in the following situations?
15
9. Experiences of Discrimination due to Ethnic Origin by Ethnicity
Māori, Pasifika, and Asians Report Substantially Higher Incidences of Discrimination Compared to
European New Zealanders
20% 20% 22% 17% 24% 18% 16% 18%
46% 46% 41% 41% 51% 44% 44% 46%
30%
45%
42% 37% 47% 30% 31%
37%
50%
28%
40% 35% 37% 29% 29% 40%
0%
50%
100%
When applying
for employment
When applying
for
unemployment
benefits
In your
workplace
Renting or
buying house
Dealing with
government
departments
Hospitals and
healthcare
Banking, finance,
Legal services
Shopping or
restuarants
Experiences of Discrimination due to Ethnic Origin by Ethnicity
European NZ Māori Pasifika Asian
Following COVID-19, how often have you experienced discrimination in New Zealand because of your own ethnic
origin in the following situations? (Very often, often, sometimes)
16
10. Witnessing Incidents of Discrimination
79
27
23
34
0
20
40
Very often Often Sometimes Hardly ever Never
Witness Discrimination
Very often Often Sometimes Hardly ever Never
Following COVID-19, how often have you seen other people discriminate against individuals
because of how these individuals look or spoke English?
17
11. Perceptions about Racism in New Zealand following COVID-19
41
7
52
Perceptions about Racism in New Zealand
Increased
Decreased
Remained the
same
Following COVID-19, do you think incidents of racism in New Zealand has increased, decreased, or
remained the same?
18
12. About Half of Māori, Pasifika, and Asians say Incidents of Racism in New Zealand has
Increased following COVID-19
35%
50% 50% 48%
7%
10% 10%
2%
57%
40% 41%
50%
0%
50%
100%
European NZ Māori Pasifika Asian
Perceptions about Racism in New Zealand by Ethnicity
Increased Decreased Remained the same
19
13. Trust in Information Sources
Local doctor or General Practitioner (GP), infectious disease experts, medical experts, scientists, Prime Minister
Jacinda Ardern, and family and friends among most trusted sources of information.
Moderate levels of trust in mass media such as TV news, radio news (such as RNZ), daily newspapers (such as
the New Zealand Herald), online news (such as Stuff.co.nz), international press (such as The Guardian and The
New York Times).
Low levels of trust in social media such as YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook.
2344936579
27
37 37
911 912 10 16 15 16 19 19
33
26 33
444554410
97
15
20 8
47 44 46 44 39
57 55
54 48 53
20
13 18
38 38 37 35 37
20 21 15 17 12 544
0
50
100
Trust in Information Sources
Strongly Distrust Somewhat Distrust Don't know Somewhat Trust Strongly Trust
How much do you trust or distrust the following organisations or people as a source of accurate information?
If you don’t know or don’t use a particular source, then please select don’t know
20
Survey Method
The data in this report are based on a survey of 1083 New Zealand adults, aged 18 and older, conducted by the
School of Communication, Journalism & Marketing—Te Pou Aro Kōrero. Data was collected by Qualtrics. The
survey was conducted between February 15 to March 6, 2021 (and results were compared to a similar poll of
1040 respondents in June 26 to July 13, 2020). The questionnaire was self-administered in a web-based
environment. The survey took about 22 minutes on average to complete. The data were weighted, post survey,
on gender, age, education, and ethnicity to match the New Zealand census estimates. Weights ranged from 0.65
to 4.68, with a mean of 1.22, median of 0.94, and standard deviation of 0.71, 95% of the weights fall between
1.18 and 1.26.
The survey instrument was designed by Dr. Jagadish Thaker (JT). The author would like to acknowledge help
from Drs. Erika Pearson, Ming Li, Nitha Palakshappa, Vishnu Menon from the School of Communication,
Journalism and Marketing, Massey University for funding the survey. John Hilbert helped with the design of the
cover page.
Average margins of error, at the 95% confidence level, are plus or minus 3 percentage points.
Percentages in a given chart may total slightly higher or lower than 100% due to rounding error.
21
Sample Demographics
N
%
N
%
(unweighted)
(unweighted)
(weighted)
(weighted)
Total
1083
100
1083
100
Gender
Female
552
51
552
51
Male
531
49
531
49
Age
18-25
155
14
152
14
26-35
215
20
195
18
36-45
174
16
173
16
46-55
193
18
195
18
56-65
162
15
162
15
66 and above
184
17
206
19
Education
No qualification
87
8
206
19
School qualification
286
26
303
28
Tertiary diplomas/ Certificates
335
31
282
26
Bachelor’s degree or higher
375
35
292
27
Ethnicity
European New Zealander
689
64
666
62
Māori
175
16
177
16
Pasifika
43
4
83
8
Asian or Another Category
176
16
156
14
Annual personal income
Less than $19,999
208
19
230
21.2
$20,000 to $39,999
261
24
284
26.5
$40,000 to $59,999
197
18
198
18.4
$60,000 to $79,999
184
17
167
15.6
$80,000 to $99,999
94
9
85
7.9
$100,000 to $119,999
66
6
57
5.3
$120,000 or above
66
6
53
4.9
22
References
Maibach, E. (2012). Knowing our options for setting the record straight, when doing so is particularly
important. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 13(3), 105.
Thaker, J & Menon, V. (2020). Aotearoa New Zealand Public Responses to COVID-19. Massey University.
DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.33804.74881
Thaker, J (2020, November 16). JT Thaker, an Early Career Researcher [Video]. YouTube.
https://youtu.be/ASgmep7Ho1Y
Thaker, J. (2021a). Audience segmentation of COVID-19 vaccination intentions in Aotearoa-New Zealand.
Massey University. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.30203.23841
Thaker, J. (2020b). Aotearoa-New Zealand Public Attitudes and Intentions for COVID-19 Vaccination: March
2021. Wellington, New Zealand: Massey University. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.15555.12327