Reaching the Summit or a Plateau? The <scp>EU</scp> –New Zealand Relationship in the Indo‐Pacific

ABSTRACT This article examines New Zealand's perceptions of the European Union's Indo‐Pacific Strategy through interviews with government officials and foreign policy influencers. Despite viewing the EU positively as a like‐minded partner committed to the rule‐based international order, New Zealand respondents demonstrated limited understanding of the EU's Indo‐Pacific strategy. Ocean governance and green transition emerged as priority cooperation areas, while security and defence received little recognition. The research reveals outdated perceptions of the EU and highlights the need for better communication of EU strategic intentions. Three policy recommendations emerge: leveraging bilateral relationships, improving strategic communication and harnessing EU influence amid current geopolitical uncertainty.