Aussies love us more than anyone

Photo / Brett Phibbs

An opinion poll has found that despite the transtasman rivalry, Aussies love Kiwis more than any other nationality.

When asked to rate their feelings towards other countries - with 100 being a very warm, favourable feeling and zero meaning very cold - in a Lowry Institute Poll in March, 1001 Australians responded with an average 84 for their feelings towards New Zealanders.

This is the "warmest" result since the polls began in 2006, up a point from last year and three points since 2007. Other most-liked nationalities were Canada (82), France (70) and Singapore (69).

The report also found Australians were divided over where their country fits in the world.

Thirty-two per cent thought it was more a part of Asia, 31 per cent the Pacific and 31 per cent said it was not really part of any region.

Five per cent thought the country was part of Europe.

The Rudd Government was given just six out of 10 for its handling of the global economic crisis, five for combating climate change and only four for its handling of the arrival of asylum seekers by boat and Japanese whaling.

Keeping its strong alliance with the United States rated highest.

Although a large majority (73 per cent) agreed China's growth was good for Australia, up 10 points since 2008, 66 per cent disagreed Australia was doing enough to pressure China to improve its human rights.