What’s behind the surge of support for Donald Trump among Kiwis?

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Summarised by Centrist

Recent polls reveal that support for Donald Trump in New Zealand has 25% of Kiwis now backing  the former US President–more than double since his first term.  

According to a Talbot Mills poll, 21% of New Zealanders would vote for Trump if they could, compared to 55% for Kamala Harris.  Men in particular at 31% support him, compared to just 11% of women. 

A Curia poll shows an even higher level of support at 25%. Notably, Trump’s popularity has risen sharply among NZ First supporters, with 48% now backing him, reflecting a shift to the right within the party’s base, particularly following Winston Peters’ alignment with anti-vaccine sentiments during the 2023 election.

This surge mirrors trends in Australia, where support for Trump grew from 11% in 2016 to 29% in 2024. 

The rise in support is attributed to a broader rightward shift, discontent with pandemic policies, and a backlash against left-wing and “woke” ideologies.

As political commentator Grant Duncan notes:

“Many Kiwi Trumpers may see his flaws but are driven more by their aversion to left-wing politics than by admiration for Trump himself.” 

Read more over at Politics Happens