ACT's Foreign Policy
ACT supports deeper integration with Five Eyes partners, stronger defence spending to meet NATO-equivalent targets, more assertive support for democratic allies against authoritarian states, and exploring AUKUS participation. They are critical of China's influence in the region.
In simple terms
Get closer to our Five Eyes allies especially the US, spend more on defence, stand up more firmly to China, and consider joining the AUKUS security partnership.
Impact to New Zealanders
Defence spending rises; money diverted from schools, hospitals, and roading maintenance to military equipment and personnel.
Chinese investors reduce NZ property and business purchases in retaliation; some local businesses lose capital, but housing becomes slightly more affordable.
NZ becomes militarily dependent on US supply chains; geopolitical neutrality erodes, limiting independent trade deals and diplomatic flexibility with major partners.
Green Party's Foreign Policy
The Green Party advocates for a genuinely independent foreign policy, stronger multilateralism through the UN, nuclear disarmament advocacy, opposition to AUKUS involvement, a more critical stance on Israel-Palestine, and increased Pacific aid and climate support.
In simple terms
Be more independent from US and UK foreign policy, strengthen the UN, push for nuclear disarmament, increase aid to Pacific nations for climate change, and take a balanced stance on international conflicts.
Impact to New Zealanders
NZ defence contracts with US/UK suppliers face delays; local military maintenance costs rise as alternative suppliers charge premiums.
Pacific nations receive more climate aid but become dependent on NZ funding; their own revenue-raising capacity weakens over time.
NZ's reduced alliance influence means less say in regional security decisions; China and India gain diplomatic ground in Indo-Pacific forums.
Labour's Foreign Policy
Labour maintained New Zealand's independent foreign policy tradition, the nuclear-free policy, and strengthened Pacific engagement through Pasifika Futures. They negotiated free trade agreements with the EU and UK, supported CPTPP, and took a human rights-focused approach to international relations.
In simple terms
Keep New Zealand independent and nuclear-free, support Pacific nations, negotiate trade deals with Europe and the UK, and stand up for human rights internationally.
Impact to New Zealanders
EU trade negotiations require regulatory alignment, forcing NZ businesses to adopt stricter environmental and labour standards, raising costs for smaller exporters.
Pacific aid commitments strain budget, reducing funding for domestic services like healthcare while building NZ's diplomatic influence in the region.
Nuclear-free stance limits military partnerships with major allies, making NZ less strategically valuable and potentially weakening its seat at global decision-making tables.
National's Foreign Policy
National supports strong alliances with traditional partners (US, UK, Australia), the Five Eyes intelligence arrangement, AUKUS observer status consideration, free trade agreements, and maintaining New Zealand's nuclear-free status. They support a strong defence capability and Pacific engagement.
In simple terms
Strengthen alliances with the US, UK and Australia, maintain our nuclear-free status, pursue more free trade deals, and invest in our defence capability.
Impact to New Zealanders
Defence spending rises, pulling skilled workers from healthcare and construction sectors, creating labour shortages in those industries.
Free trade deals lower import prices for consumers but domestic manufacturers face cheaper overseas competition, potentially closing regional factories.
Closer US-Australia military ties may pressure NZ toward regional tensions, risking trade relationships with China despite nuclear-free policy benefits.
NZ First's Foreign Policy
NZ First prioritises New Zealand sovereignty in foreign policy, scepticism of multilateral institutions that erode national decision-making, maintaining the nuclear-free policy, controlling foreign investment in NZ assets, and prioritising Pacific relationships while being cautious about China.
In simple terms
Put New Zealand first in foreign policy, maintain our nuclear-free status, be careful about Chinese investment in NZ, and build strong ties with Pacific neighbours.
Impact to New Zealanders
Stricter Chinese investment screening raises construction costs for housing, affecting first-home buyers more than property investors.
Pacific aid increases strain defence budget; regional hospitals and schools compete for same government funding pool.
Reduced Chinese trade partnerships gradually shift NZ exports toward smaller Pacific markets with lower volumes, pressuring farm incomes long-term.
Te Pāti Māori's Foreign Policy
Te Pāti Māori advocates for an indigenous foreign policy framework recognising New Zealand's Pacific identity, solidarity with indigenous peoples globally, opposition to nuclear weapons and military alliances, stronger Pacific climate finance, and a more independent stance from Western military networks.
In simple terms
Build foreign policy around our Pacific identity and indigenous values, oppose nuclear weapons and military alliances, support Pacific nations facing climate change, and be more independent internationally.
Impact to New Zealanders
NZ defence contracts shrink; military suppliers relocate, cutting regional jobs in Auckland and Christchurch while Pacific aid spending rises.
Trade negotiations weaken without security alliance leverage; businesses pay higher tariffs accessing traditional markets like Australia and US.
Pacific nations build stronger ties with China instead; NZ influence declines, limiting ability to shape regional outcomes affecting our interests.