The majority of Kiwis support the idea of a Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP), new research has found.

Research commissioned by the NZUS council has found that 56.3 percent of New Zealanders surveyed support or strongly support the TPP, 13.4 percent oppose the negotiation, with 30.4 percent keeping an open mind.

“The research is an important contribution to the debate around free trade. It shows New Zealanders are preared to see where the TPP negotiation leads rather than give in to scare-mongering,” says NZUS Council executive director Stephen Jacobi.

The research found that just 60.5 percent believe New Zealand needs to do more to connect with global markets, with just 9.4 percent opposing such moves.

The next TPP negotiation round will take place in Auckland in December.

The research also found that a majority of Kiwis (64.4 percent) believe increased trade between new Zealand and the United States is a good idea. Only 12.1 percent are opposed to it.

“Freer trade will create more opportunities for exporters and more choice for consumers and ultimately more jobs for Kiwis. The TPP provides an opportunity to maximise these benefits TPP is a work in progress but it’s an important first step towards adopting a seamless economic space around the Asia-Pacific region,” says Jacobi.

The research was conducted by Buzz Research between 18-21 September 2012 with 1,018 respondents aged 18-64 in New Zealand. It has a margin of error of +/- 3.1.