A recent poll suggests 40% of Kiwis support union with Australia. Union was seen as helping to improve relations between both countries, improving travel and New Zealand‘s defence capability.
The UMR poll questioned 1000 New Zealanders and Australians. 41% said the merger idea was worth debating, while 58 % disagreed. Australians response and responses to other questions will be available at a later date.
The responses of future polls could be interesting, to see if there was an increase in support for political union. It could be interesting for readers to learn that the original union of colonies in Australia to form the Commonwealth of Australasia in 1901 included New Zealand. But Premier Richard John Seddon of New Zealand turned the offer down, primarily because of the distance between the two countries and the lack of communication. Cable being the only form in those days before radio. Perhaps Seddon had his own personal reasons as well – a continuing political career as premier of New Zealand, rather than a state leader.
I wonder what the future beholds? The future debate on republicanism could also include a union between the two countries.
What would happen to the All Blacks rugby team and the champion Australian cricket team in the event of union?
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