Foreign Affairs and Defence

New Zealand under Labour has always taken a strongly independent line in foreign affairs. As a small nation I believe it is very much in our interests to promote and support multi lateral trade and peace keeping initiatives. As a country of strong conscience with a record of supporting causes such as nuclear disarmament (a policy I would not want to see gone by lunchtime) New Zealand should promote human rights, environmental and labour standards, disarmament and sustainable development on the international scene. This both advances our interests and those of people everywhere. It is I believe part of our obligations as a good international citizen. It is also something that this government has done consistently and of which I am proud.

New Zealand has a special role in the pacific where we have the unusual experience for us of being a large country. The focus of our aid and development assistance should be on these countries which are not just our neighbours but through our large pacific community will have an ongoing and important part in New Zealand life. This is not just about altruism it is about common sense. One of the worst possible scenarios for New Zealand’s future would be to have destabilised and/or impoverished nations on our door step.  

Our ongoing relationship with Australia is of great importance to our economic development. The benefits that can be accrued from closer co-operation with Australia are too great to be passed up but the process must be carefully managed to preserve our culture and our sovereignty.

Labour supports greater democratisation of the United Nations and strengthened powers for the General Assembly. The current veto power of the five permanent members of the Security Council should be abolished. The size and membership of the Council should also be reviewed to better reflect the post Cold War world. These are all things that I strongly support on a personal level.

 

Disclaimer

The Labour party has a rigorous policy process whereby we debate ideas and establish the eventual party manifesto. It is the party manifesto that represents the official party policy. While unsurprisingly as a participant in this process I support the manifesto, on this site I have endeavoured to give my own personal views and thoughts so you will know where I stand on issues. In the majority of cases these will be in line with party policy, if however you want official Labour party policy please visit http://www.labour.org.nz