New Zealand election fight over US alliance and defence ties

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 31 Oct, 21:20 · Archive

New Zealand's Labour party says it would question the country's alignment with the US if it wins the November election.

New Zealand's Labour party would question the country's alignment with the US if it wins the November 7 election, the closest New Zealand election in memory, according to would-be foreign minister Vanushi Walters. Labour would potentially slow the pace of trans-Tasman defence collaboration, though Walters has already met with Australian counterpart Penny Wong to demonstrate commitment to the Australian alliance.

Walters said relationships with the US and China were 'equally important' to New Zealand, accusing the coalition government under foreign minister Winston Peters of an unbalanced approach. She criticised Prime Minister Luxon's description of New Zealand as a 'force multiplier for the US in the Pacific', saying 'that doesn't serve New Zealand's interests'. Unlike Australia, New Zealand maintains an independent foreign policy.

Walters visited Canberra in July, the only foreign minister she has visited, to discuss Pacific interests, climate change and geopolitical tensions. The current coalition government has deepened US relationships over the last three years and signed defence collaboration agreements with Australia, increasing defence spending.

How it is being reported

• Palestine, defence, aid in dispute this NZ electionBoth sides of New Zealand politics are committed to the Australian alliance, but one is less enthusiastic about partnering with the US under Donald Trump.The West Australian · 31 Oct, 21:02
• Palestine, defence, aid in dispute this NZ electionBoth sides of New Zealand politics are committed to the Australian alliance, but one is less enthusiastic about partnering with the US under Donald Trump.Perth Now · 31 Oct, 21:02

In this story: Vanushi Walters · Penny Wong · Winston Peters · Jacinda Ardern · Labour Party · New Zealand · Australia · United States

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log