New Zealand pollster and political commentator David Farrar has once again brought attention to the ongoing debate about New Zealand’s potential union with Australia, suggesting that the time is ripe to accept the 125-year-old invitation to join its neighbor.
Farrar proposed that for New Zealand, a nation of 5.2 million people, survival might depend on becoming a part of Australia, possibly as a colony, to ensure its longevity and prosperity.
In his commentary, Farrar stated, “Joining Australia will protect New Zealand, enhance Australia, and be advantageous for everyone involved.”
He emphasized that the world order, once based on rules, has dissolved and won’t be making a return.
Should New Zealand become an Australian state?
“We are now in an era where powerful countries will act in their own best interests,” Farrar elaborated.
While his proposal might seem bold, it is not without precedent—Australia’s constitution indeed includes provisions for New Zealand to be admitted as a state.
The Commonwealth colony of NZ also participated in early Federation conferences before it was deemed an independent state.
There is also a reciprocal agreement which allows NZ residents to visit, live and work in Australia without a tourist or work visa, and vice versa.
However, it appears many Kiwi residents aren’t chuffed with the idea.
The opinion piece quickly triggered similar articles arguing against New Zealand becoming an Australian state.
“If independence is to end, it will end because it has become impossible to sustain, not because a cost-benefit analysis shows we might do better as someone else’s state,” he wrote.
“Until then, the task is not to redesign ourselves, but to do our very best to adapt and thrive giving up as little about ourselves as possible.”
Another piece from The Post noted that any desire from New Zealand to join Australia would likely be “unrequited”.
NZ Prime Minister Christopher Luxon immediately ruled out the idea of abandoning sovereignty.
“This won’t be happening,” a spokesperson from his office told The Post.
“New Zealand values our close relationship with Australia, but we also value our unique national identity and our sovereignty.”
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