Both Australia and New Zealand used to have a very high degree of recognition towards the British Empire.
That is why Australia and New Zealand continued to maintain a very close relationship with the British Empire by joining the Commonwealth of Nations after gaining independence, respectively.
However, it's slightly different now. In the disaster in New Zealand, the support level of the British Empire for New Zealand is not very high, and is even merely on par with other European powers.
Some New Zealanders who still regarded the British Empire as their suzerain felt unsatisfied and disappointed. Compared to the aid from Australia, the British Empire's assistance seemed to be less sincere.
Previously, there were three opinions on the status and situation of New Zealand. The first opinion believed that New Zealand should continue to be under the rule of the British Empire, which, as the world's first superpower, could protect New Zealand's interests well.
