Seismic shifts in NZ defence and foreign policy

Seismic shifts in NZ defence and foreign policy
NZ has responsibilities for about a twelfth of the world's ocean surface – this photo shows most of our navy. (Image: NZME)
Pattrick Smellie
For at least three decades, New Zealand’s foreign policy and defence policy has been fairly settled.Foreign policy has been prosecuted as trade policy ahead of almost all other considerations, while defence policy has been prosecuted under the assumption of what the then prime minister, Helen Clark, said in 2001 was an “incredibly benign" strategic environment.This underpinned NZ’s independent foreign policy, in which the country trod a successful and self-interested path as crusader for high-quality free trade agreements...

More Policy

Treasury strategist: NZ needs to tax capital income
Policy

Treasury strategist: NZ needs to tax capital income

Struan Little says it’s not a question of whether we should tax capital, but how.

Dileepa Fonseka 21 Nov 2025
The back-to-front ferry deal
Opinion

Pattrick Smellie: The back-to-front ferry deal

Will the wharves be ready when the new ferries arrive?

Pattrick Smellie 20 Nov 2025
KiwiSaver providers want more out of retirement reform
Policy

KiwiSaver providers want more out of retirement reform

The Retirement Commissioner says KiwiSaver does not work equally well for everyone.

Digital Investment Plan expected this month
Policy

Digital Investment Plan expected this month

Health NZ to release its 10-year Digital Investment Plan in Christchurch.

Cécile Meier 14 Nov 2025