NZ 'hot' with Australians

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A new poll by the Lowy Institute for International Policy shows that of 18 countries in its survey, New Zealand continued to be regarded by Australia most warmly in what was almost an emotional heatwave.

Of a possible 100 "degrees", NZ scored 85 - the highest rating ever achieved. Running second in Australian hearts was the United Kingdom, at 79 degrees, the United States, 70 degrees, and Japan, at 67 degrees.

Least popular were Iraq, Iran, Libya - all at a chilly 35 degrees - and North Korea, at 34 degrees.