The Asia New Zealand Foundation says its latest report shows Kiwis have an improving relationship with Asians living in New Zealand.
But two female Asian immigrants, who work closely with their respective communities, say prejudice and stereotypes still dominate individual experiences.
TV producer Melissa Lee came from Korea in 1988.
"I don't take kindly to people who think I'm Asian and I'm woman so I'm docile and subservient and I have no opinion and no brain," says Lee, producer-presenter of Asia Downunder .
Dr Sapna Samant is a reporter, cultural consultant and former GP who arrived from Mumbai in 2001.
"People expect me to be this demure Indian woman. Sorry, I'm not that, I'm not that at all," she says.
Despite being immersed in life in New Zealand, both women say the culture collision is not well received.
"Driving around and people yelling at you 'go home chink'," says Lee.
But the latest snapshot of public opinion paints a different picture.
"The perceptions are improving over time. So if anything the old stereotypes aren't around anymore," says Dr Andrew Butcher of the Asia New Zealand Foundation.
The report says 81% believe Asians contribute to the economy and 90% see a benefit from Asian tourists.
But a report published just last year suggested New Zealanders
were generally ignorant about Asia's more than 20 distinct cultures
and markets.
"Mainstream New zealanders accept only part of Asians. But it's
true with Asians as well who accept only parts of mainstream New
Zealanders," says Samant.
Lee says policies need to be made so we don't over promise and under deliver. If not, the threat is that Asian immigrants will leave, and New Zealand would not like that either.
