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2008: Foreign Affairs
SUPPORTING AN INDEPENDENT FOREIGN POLICY
National believes New Zealand must chart its own course in international affairs, and exercise a free, independent foreign policy that reflects the best interests of New Zealand and our part of the world.
We embrace bipartisanship in foreign policy. Foreign policy does not belong to any political party, Prime Minister, or government.
It belongs to the public and should, so far as possible, be driven by a considered evaluation of their evolving international interests – not by perceptions of narrow domestic political advantage.
Within this framework, National accepts that the nuclear-free legislation will remain because of its iconic status in national identity.
OUR PRINCIPLES
• Bipartisan support for an independent foreign policy.
• A globally competitive economy.
• Fresh leadership.
NATIONAL’S PLAN
1. New Zealand Inc
Require the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, and Tourism New Zealand to adopt a ‘New Zealand Incorporated’ approach, and to co-locate and co-operate in international markets.
2. Key Bilateral Relationships
• Continue to build on our most important bilateral relationship – Australia.
• Strengthen relations with China, Japan, and Korea, and build a stronger basis with countries such as India and Indonesia.
• Work on relations with Latin America and Europe.
• Support the US-NZ Partnership Forum, but move appropriate issues as soon as possible to intergovernmental dialogue. Put a high priority on liberalising trade with the US, through the P4 Agreement.
3. The South Pacific
Increase discussions and engagement with our South Pacific neighbours.
4. Focus on Asia
• Develop bilateral relationships with Asia.
• Ensure that when choices are made about embassies and trade posts, we concentrate on Asia. Review our network of overseas posts to ensure there is a focus on key countries and markets.
• Make sure Asian New Zealanders are consulted on our relations with the region.
5. Overseas Development Assistance
• Maintain aid spending as per Budget 2008. Require an even greater focus of our aid effort on the South Pacific.
• Review NZAid to ensure aid spending is effective. Make sure problems identified in recent reports are rectified.
6. United Nations
Continue to recognise the importance of the UN to a small nation like ours but push for reform and modernisation.
7. Current Conflicts
Support current deployments of NZ troops in peacekeeping and humanitarian roles around the world.
National does not support committing troops to any existing conflicts we are not currently involved in.
8. Counter Terrorism
Ensure terrorist groups are properly identified and designated under law. Work with states at the front line to reduce support for terrorists.
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