Recent developments New Zealand nuclear-free zone

an anti-nuclear activist hands out peace cranes in wellington

under previous labour government, prime minister helen clark maintained new zealand s nuclear-free zone status, bipartisan position supported opposition new zealand national party. in 2008 survey, 19% of new zealanders favouring nuclear power source, more both gas , coal power, behind wind, solar, geothermal , hydroelectricity.

the united states wants new zealand repeal nuclear-free legislation, allow u.s. warships carrying nuclear weapons visit new zealand ports. pressure united states increased in 2006, u.s. trade officials linking repeal of ban of american nuclear ships new zealand s ports potential free-trade agreement between 2 countries. in 2004, opposition leader don brash refused confirm or deny told visiting senators nuclear ban repealed lunchtime if elected prime minister. brash quit politics after losing 2005 election , gone lunchtime became political catchphrase in new zealand.

differences between french , new zealand governments appear resolved both countries enjoying positive trade , cultural exchanges. in august 2006 people of french polynesia welcomed official report french government confirming link between increase in cases of thyroid cancer , france s atmospheric nuclear tests in territory since 1966.

on 8 june 2007 during parliamentary debate on new zealand s nuclear-free legislations 20th anniversary, hon phil goff (minister disarmament , arms control) reaffirmed government s commitment new zealand s nuclear free zone legislation. phil goff said,

i move, house note 8 june 2007 20th anniversary of passing house of new zealand nuclear free zone, disarmament, , arms control act 1987 , resolve new zealand should continue work nuclear weapon – free world; , that, in striving world free of nuclear weapons, house call for: implementation , strengthening of nuclear non-proliferation treaty, including unequivocal undertaking made nuclear weapon states in 2000 move towards total elimination of nuclear arsenals; expansion , strengthening of nuclear-weapon-free zones , nuclear weapon – free southern hemisphere; entry force of comprehensive nuclear-test-ban treaty; enactment of fissile material cut-off treaty; , universal implementation of nuclear non-proliferation instruments such international convention suppression of acts of nuclear terrorism , united nations security council resolution 1540.

john key promised in 2006, after being elected leader of national party, nuclear-free legislation remain intact long leader of national party.

in november 2016, uss sampson (ddg-102) became first warship call in new zealand in 33 years.