Defence Minister Chris Penk says a discussion about New Zealand’s anti-nuclear policy could be beneficial.
Penk made the comment in response to a question at a security forum in Singapore about Australia’s planned acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines.
A reporter asked whether New Zealand might consider relaxing its nuclear-free policy to allow nuclear-powered submarines to enter New Zealand waters.
“I think there’s no official or even unofficial change in New Zealand government policy along those lines; traditionally, the New Zealand public has been very sceptical about nuclear weapons, which might be an interesting conversation in terms of the extent to which that’s different from nuclear propulsion,” Penk said.
“And of course our only formal ally is that now, being Australia, acquiring the nuclear-powered submarines means it would be helpful, I think, for us to have that conversation in New Zealand.”
New Zealand has been officially nuclear-free since the 1980s, with legislation banning nuclear-armed and nuclear-powered ships from its waters.
In 2023, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon reaffirmed New Zealand’s nuclear-free stance, saying it was “non-negotiable.”
Just recently, the office of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon confirmed that New Zealand’s nuclear-free policy remains unchanged but declined to say whether he agreed with the remarks made by Penk.
Labour leader Chris Hipkins said New Zealanders are “rightly proud” of the country’s nuclear-free position.
“We’re respected around the world for it, nuclear energy and nuclear war are something that New Zealand’s been firmly opposed to, and we should stay that way.”