When it comes to the green-eyed monster of jealousy, Kiwi women surpass their British and Canadian counterparts. Families Commission research said one in seven Kiwi men said their partners get angry if they speak to other women, compared to nine per cent of women saying the same about their male partners.
Kiwi women are also more likely to stop their partners seeing friends and relatives and keep track of them "in a controlling or frightening way" than vice-versa, the report added.
According to AAP report women in New Zealand are more possessive than those in Canada and Britain, where females are more likely to feel controlled than men.
The report's principal analyst, Radha Balakrishnan, said the controversial results has sparked debate in New Zealand.
Kiwi relationship expert Janice Davies said it should be seen in a positive light that women there are good at standing up for themselves.
"Assertiveness is a great thing and if women in New Zealand are learning to practice it more readily to be strong in relationships then that's great," she said.