Could New Zealand’s Future Be Tied to Australia? Renewed Debate Over Possible Statehood Sparks Interest

Farrar contended that in the face of escalating historical global pressures, New Zealand must expand to ensure its survival.

Kiwi pollster and commentator David Farrar this week said he supported Australia acquiring New Zealand as its seventh state. 

He argued New Zealand needed to be ‘bigger to survive’ amid historical global tensions which have intensified in recent times. 

Its 5.2million people would be better protected as part of Australia, especially as the US adopts an unpredictable temperament under Donald Trump, he argued. 

‘Joining Australia will protect New Zealand, enhance Australia and benefit us all,’ Mr Farrar wrote in an opinion piece for The Post. 

‘We are in an era where countries with might will do what they see as right for them.’

The Australian constitution includes a provision that New Zealand can be admitted as a state at any time; but the country has yet to take up the offer. 

Before Australia declared its independence, New Zealand representatives joined its leaders more than 100 years ago during Federation conferences. 

New debates have sparked up as to whether New Zealand should become Australia’s second state after a pollster and commentator said it was finally time

David Farrar urged Aussies and Kiwis should combine in order to secure the region during uncertain times (pictured is a new New Zealand passport)

Strong ties between the two countries continue to this day as citizens of both nations are permitted to work in or visit the other without a visa. 

A large group of New Zealanders have balked at the idea of becoming a state.

Mr Farrar’s opinion article sparked a fierce debate amongst Kiwis, with conservative political commentator Liam Hehir arguing independence should be cherished. 

‘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,’ Mr Hehir 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.’

Results from the latest polling show roughly 56 per cent of Kiwis oppose the idea of joining Australia under one flag, according to local outlet Stuff. 

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon was also quick to squash any idea of the two countries combining.

‘This won’t be happening,’ a spokesperson from his office told the publication.

New Zealanders however have thus far balked at the idea of relinquishing their sovereignty 

‘New Zealand values our close relationship with Australia, but we also value our unique national identity and our sovereignty.’

Opinions on social media however, offered a more scattered view of where many people’s true opinions lay. 

With so many New Zealanders living in Australia already ‘why not’ combine the two, one man said. 

‘It would not be easy for New Zealand and Australia to sink their differences in a unified sovereign state,’ another warned.