New Zealanders are in favour of the earlier reopening of the borders

Ōtautahi - New Zealand is fully opening its borders on July 31 and most Kiwis are in favour of it, according to a new survey.

Research New Zealand polled more than 1000 people and most supported the move.

Almost a third of respondents stated the timing is right (30 percent), whereas 28 percent felt that they should have been opened already.

In comparison, 17 percent categorically stated that it is too early. The remainder either didn’t care when the borders reopen (17 percent) or didn’t know/undecided (8 percent).

All demographic groups based on age, gender and region are in favour of the

borders reopening on 31 July (or earlier), although they are some differences.

Males are more in favour than females, younger respondents are more in favour than older respondents, and those living in the North Island (mostly Auckland) are more in favour than those living in other regions of the country.

Economic reasons and getting back to normality are the most frequently mentioned

reasons in favour of the reopening of the borders on July 31.

Overall, three reasons were given in support of the reopening of the borders most frequently; namely, to help with New Zealand’s economic recovery (51 percent), getting back to normality (43 percent) and relieving a skills shortage (41 percent).