---
title: "PF098 · Captured AI answers"
publisher: "Onsomble Limited"
publication: "NZBrands.ai"
edition: 3
collected_on: "2026-10-16"
html_url: "https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/3/questions/eadd9c15-d6ef-42b2-8532-891c3f47c8c6/"
---

# PF098 · Captured AI answers

Edition 3 · answers collected 16 October 2026.

[Read on NZBrands.ai](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/3/questions/eadd9c15-d6ef-42b2-8532-891c3f47c8c6/)

## Question

I'm an eligible New Zealand voter living overseas and considering returning. I am comparing job opportunities, housing costs and New Zealand's international outlook. I am considering my vote in the 2026 New Zealand general election. How do parties differ on New Zealand's international relationships, defence and regional security?

Question ID: eadd9c15-d6ef-42b2-8532-891c3f47c8c6. Report reference: PF098.

Issue: Foreign affairs and defence. Voter: Eligible overseas voter considering returning.

[Source record (JSON)](https://nzbrands.ai/data/nz-election-2026/editions/3/answers/eadd9c15-d6ef-42b2-8532-891c3f47c8c6.json)

## How to read this evidence

The answers below are shown as the assistants gave them, not a verified account or NZBrands.ai voting advice. They may contain errors or outdated claims. A recorded source association is not necessarily a link shown to the reader.

Captured 16 October 2026. 3 answers were saved for this question. Missing answers have not been filled in.

[Study methodology and limitations](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/3/method.md)

## ChatGPT · asked nationally

Answer ID: 2a109ced-d7cc-4685-97b3-71e2c135f80d. Captured 16 October 2026.

**Begin captured answer — shown as given, not verified**

# New Zealand’s 2026 election: foreign policy, defence and regional security

For an eligible New Zealand voter living overseas and considering a return, international policy matters in several practical ways: the security of New Zealand’s trade routes, relationships with Australia and the Pacific, the cost of defence commitments, access to overseas markets, and the country’s position between the United States and China.

The key distinction to explore in the 2026 general election is not simply which parties support international cooperation. It is how they balance New Zealand’s independent foreign policy, traditional Western security partnerships, economic ties with China, and responsibilities to Pacific neighbours.

The comparison below focuses on the major parties and their established policy directions. Because the election is approaching, it is important to distinguish current government policy, past party positions and any newly announced 2026 commitments. I’ll identify where a position needs to be checked against the latest manifesto rather than treating an older policy as a confirmed election pledge.

## 1. How the main parties differ

The table summarises the clearest documented differences in policy direction and recent public statements. It is not a ranking, and a party’s position on one issue does not necessarily predict its position on another.

| Party | International relationships | Defence and regional security |
| --- | --- | --- |
| National | Emphasises closer strategic relationships with traditional security partners while maintaining international trade links. | Supports stronger military capability, maritime security and deeper Pacific security cooperation. The government has explored joining the Australia–Fiji Ocean of Peace Alliance. [Securing New Zealand’s future in a more volatile world](https://www.national.org.nz/news/20260513-rthonchristopherluxon-securing-nz-future)[NZ to explore joining Fiji-Australia defence alliance](https://www.national.org.nz/news/20260709-rthonchristopherluxon)[Budget 2026 shores up maritime security](https://www.national.org.nz/news/20260523-honchrispenk) |
| Labour | Advocates an independent, balanced foreign policy, maintaining important relationships with both the US and China, alongside close ties with Australia. | Has explicitly ruled out joining either pillar of AUKUS. Emphasises diplomacy, international law and Pacific-led regional cooperation. [Speech: Labour's foreign policy](https://www.labour.org.nz/news/speech-labours-foreign-policy/)[Release: A Labour Government will not join AUKUS](https://www.labour.org.nz/news/release-a-labour-government-will-not-join-aukus/) |
| Green Party | Emphasises independent foreign policy, human rights, climate diplomacy and peaceful conflict resolution. | Opposes joining AUKUS, including Pillar II, and argues for avoiding deeper involvement in military competition between major powers. [Complete Party Policy](https://www.greens.org.nz/policy)[NZ must pursue independent foreign policy](https://www.greens.org.nz/nz_must_pursue_independent_foreign_policy) |
| ACT | Generally favours strong Western security partnerships and a more assertive approach to national security. | Has supported stronger defence capability and closer security alignment with partners. Check its final 2026 manifesto for precise commitments and funding. |
| New Zealand First | Emphasises national sovereignty, national interest and scrutiny of international agreements that could constrain domestic decision-making. | Stresses defence as a core government responsibility, including maritime security, humanitarian assistance and disaster response. [2023 Election Policies](https://www.nzfirst.nz/2023_policies)[NZ First: policies and record 2026](https://partymap.co.nz/parties/nz-first/) |
| Te Pāti Māori | Its established policy direction emphasises Māori and Pacific perspectives, Indigenous solidarity and independent international engagement. | Has advocated opposition to nuclear weapons and military alliances, with a stronger focus on Pacific climate security and self-determination. Its latest election-specific commitments should be checked before treating these as current pledges. [Foreign Policy Policy NZ — All Parties Compared](https://policynavigator.neonz.org/topics/foreign-policy) |

An important distinction: Labour and the Greens have both explicitly opposed joining AUKUS Pillar II, but that does not mean they oppose every security partnership or all cooperation with the US. Labour, for example, has said it values Five Eyes intelligence cooperation. [Speech: Labour's foreign policy](https://www.labour.org.nz/news/speech-labours-foreign-policy/)[Release: A Labour Government will not join AUKUS](https://www.labour.org.nz/news/release-a-labour-government-will-not-join-aukus/)[NZ must pursue independent foreign policy](https://www.greens.org.nz/nz_must_pursue_independent_foreign_policy)

National's current approach places more emphasis on expanding military capability and security partnerships. The other parties differ in how far they would support those developments and what diplomatic, financial or strategic limits they would place on them.

## 2. The issues that matter most

![Refuelling at sea - New Zealand Defence Force](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/Dk7cG8QagBwMQOhqs0WGas6EB8LAcVjO1YMBEXGO9dMdrr3Yrub0C7W0T_Vxl4OVgnXyMzmbaSnMmZyNMo8hUFjUgD0ol4Jo6cRG2-omW1fZaLMKaaRpVHQtN5QuxpmuQltnmEWU80Mz5hXztmT1KpleObAIO-hNrHeq9cNCiN8?purpose=inline)

### A. Australia, the US and AUKUS

New Zealand's longstanding security relationship with Australia is distinct from the question of how closely to align with the US and the wider AUKUS framework.

- National and ACT: Their security approach is more receptive to strengthening defence cooperation with traditional Western partners.
- Labour: Has committed not to join either AUKUS Pillar I or Pillar II, while retaining Five Eyes membership.
- Greens: Oppose both pillars and warn that participation could draw New Zealand further into strategic rivalry.
- New Zealand First and Te Pāti Māori: Assess their current detailed commitments separately rather than assuming they share either major bloc's approach.

The practical question is whether you want New Zealand to deepen military and technology links with Western allies, and what limits you think should apply. [Release: A Labour Government will not join AUKUS](https://www.labour.org.nz/news/release-a-labour-government-will-not-join-aukus/)[NZ must pursue independent foreign policy](https://www.greens.org.nz/nz_must_pursue_independent_foreign_policy)[Securing New Zealand’s future in a more volatile world](https://www.national.org.nz/news/20260513-rthonchristopherluxon-securing-nz-future)

![52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders' Meeting | PM&C](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/5TO06XdyxE8m_vZyt8ypUEmxS-2SrkmfLNinVImsdGUaENseFC0rlRe0pPj2JoI5FjJLHgTjnGkkRPm8LTP1GcZWDr5tYI6iQf0d8Hya5K30cgoIedk-b-mnrhfrmrdwLlDJl1LIG_5-k_o_wvEwF5oBpI1oQJD8oFtVDrFCX4E?purpose=inline)

### B. The Pacific: security, climate and influence

The Pacific is not just a diplomatic neighbourhood; it is central to New Zealand's security, migration, trade and disaster-response responsibilities.

- National-led government: Has pursued greater defence cooperation and is exploring a regional mutual-defence arrangement with Australia and Fiji.
- Labour: Emphasises Pacific autonomy, regional diplomacy, climate action and gradually increasing overseas development assistance towards 0.7% of gross national income, as fiscal conditions allow.
- Greens: Place particularly strong emphasis on climate justice, peaceful conflict resolution and Pacific self-determination.
- New Zealand First: Has historically emphasised practical foreign affairs engagement, national interests and defence responsibilities.

These differences matter if you think regional stability is best supported through stronger military deterrence, development and climate resilience, or a combination of these. [NZ to explore joining Fiji-Australia defence alliance](https://www.national.org.nz/news/20260709-rthonchristopherluxon)[Speech: Labour's foreign policy](https://www.labour.org.nz/news/speech-labours-foreign-policy/)[NZ must pursue independent foreign policy](https://www.greens.org.nz/nz_must_pursue_independent_foreign_policy)[2023 Election Policies](https://www.nzfirst.nz/2023_policies)

![Ports of Auckland gets consent to deepen Auckland’s shipping channel - VesselFinder](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/P877d2B9rPZdpCeo719XJAqX9CkCx6deLfCr8P9vN0UOjFZ6Y5gYAiQ8uJj9KDJLVpWGPCfZhcYMKeUjlqZR7laeEfpJtUOeuVYu-mF1I0ysYEGIGt4YTYkhP90Uoew7JLrCry4f8qqMGJfhcoOjdwx2itNNcPZSBCsWVkURqzw?purpose=inline)

### C. China, trade and strategic independence

China is a major trading partner, while its growing regional military capability is a security concern in New Zealand's official defence assessment. That creates a genuine policy tension between commercial interests and security partnerships. [Ministry of Defence Strategic Intentions 2025-2029](https://www.defence.govt.nz/assets/publications/MOD-Strategic-Intentions-2025-2029.pdf)[Speech: Labour's foreign policy](https://www.labour.org.nz/news/speech-labours-foreign-policy/)

- National: Emphasises economic resilience, diversified trade relationships and stronger defence capability in a more uncertain international environment.
- Labour: Explicitly argues for balanced relationships with both the US and China, cooperating where possible while speaking up where necessary.
- Greens: Stress independence, international law, diplomacy and avoiding deeper involvement in military blocs directed at perceived adversaries.
- ACT and New Zealand First: Their detailed trade and security proposals should be assessed separately; support for stronger security or sovereignty does not automatically mean support for cutting trade with China.

For someone considering returning to New Zealand, this is also an economic question: how each party proposes to manage export-market access, supply-chain risk and the possibility of international tensions disrupting trade.

![Two Navy ships to deploy to the East Coast - New Zealand Defence Force](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/dzcS6eq1LSQ-8kOCjGBrr4WyICUGYnysZrp2nacE0-2mXfn18mDs20WxAYraWHpd2UIbHGHLcUMeKMWUNSDp3yeHlUZgH9dlgpES32zh5arPs4uEVPmrhXFpA3gWeXqfYwGn--cvdFPhseGfRLJWLRb38QoX0gf6zFtG5dBZmDU?purpose=inline)

### D. Defence spending and what the Defence Force should do

The choice is not just how much to spend, but which capabilities to fund and what missions they should support.

The current government announced additional defence funding in Budget 2026, including investment in maritime capability, naval maintenance and drone systems. [Budget 2026 shores up maritime security](https://www.national.org.nz/news/20260523-honchrispenk)

Compare parties on:

- Readiness: Whether to prioritise combat capability and deterrence.
- Maritime security: Whether to invest more in naval ships, surveillance and protection of New Zealand's extensive maritime area.
- Pacific operations: How much to emphasise disaster response, humanitarian assistance and regional stability.
- Cost and trade-offs: Whether proposed spending is funded, phased over time and balanced against housing, health, infrastructure and other public services.

A promise to increase defence spending is more informative when accompanied by a published capability plan, delivery timetable and funding details.

## 3. What these differences could mean for your return to New Zealand

Since you're also weighing jobs and housing, it is worth connecting foreign policy to everyday economic outcomes rather than treating defence as a separate issue.

| Your concern | International-policy questions to compare |
| --- | --- |
| Job opportunities | Which parties have credible plans for export growth, international investment, technology partnerships and workforce skills? Would proposed trade or security changes create opportunities in particular industries? |
| Housing and living costs | How will defence spending, overseas aid and other international commitments be funded? What are the competing priorities for public money? |
| Economic security | How would parties reduce dependence on individual export markets, protect supply chains and respond to international trade disruptions? |
| Regional stability | How much emphasis should New Zealand place on military deterrence, Pacific development, climate resilience and diplomatic engagement? |
| New Zealand's identity overseas | How important are nuclear-free principles, independent decision-making, international law and human rights in determining relationships with allies? |

These are questions to investigate, not automatic predictions about which party would deliver better economic results. Actual outcomes would also depend on global conditions, coalition agreements and how fully policies were implemented.

## 4. A useful way to narrow your comparison

Rather than choosing a party based on a general label such as “independent” or “pro-defence”, consider which of these trade-offs matters most to you.

## 5. Sources to consult before voting

- [Policy.nz — 2026 party-policy comparison](https://policy.nz/2026/party-vote/policies/defence-and-foreign-affairs): compare published proposals on defence, foreign affairs, international relations and development assistance. [Policies for Party vote - NZ Election 2026](https://policy.nz/2026/party-vote/policies/defence-and-foreign-affairs)
- [Ministry of Defence — Defence strategy](https://www.defence.govt.nz/our-work/plan-and-assess/defence-policy-review/defence-strategy/): understand the current strategic setting, Australia's role and the government's stated defence objectives. [Defence strategy](https://www.defence.govt.nz/our-work/plan-and-assess/defence-policy-review/defence-strategy/)
- [Labour — Foreign policy speech, September 2026](https://www.labour.org.nz/news/speech-labours-foreign-policy/): read Labour's current argument for an independent and balanced approach. [Speech: Labour's foreign policy](https://www.labour.org.nz/news/speech-labours-foreign-policy/)
- [National — Securing New Zealand's future, May 2026](https://www.national.org.nz/news/20260513-rthonchristopherluxon-securing-nz-future): read the government's stated approach to economic resilience, international relationships and defence. [Securing New Zealand’s future in a more volatile world](https://www.national.org.nz/news/20260513-rthonchristopherluxon-securing-nz-future)
- [Green Party — International policy](https://www.greens.org.nz/policy): consult its published security, defence and trade policies. [Complete Party Policy](https://www.greens.org.nz/policy)

One practical reminder for you as an overseas voter: the Electoral Commission's overseas-voting information says voting opens on 21 October 2026, with enrolment or updates due by 25 October and completed votes due by 7 pm New Zealand time on 7 November. Check your eligibility and arrangements directly with [Vote.nz — overseas voting](https://vote.nz/overseas). [ACT New Zealand](https://www.act.org.nz/overseas)

The most revealing comparison will be between what each party says it wants internationally, what it is prepared to spend to achieve it, and what trade-offs it is willing to accept. Those three things are often more informative than the party's headline foreign-policy slogan.

**End captured answer**

## Gemini · asked nationally

Answer ID: e238dfc0-cd2c-4847-b69e-0f0db1019116. Captured 16 October 2026.

**Begin captured answer — shown as given, not verified**

For an eligible New Zealand voter overseas weighing a return and considering how political parties approach New Zealand's place in the world for the **2026 general election**, the parties span a broad spectrum—from traditional alignment with Western democratic partners and regional security frameworks to strict non-alignment and economic nationalism. 

---

### 1. Mainstream Governing and Centre-Right Parties (National, ACT)
* **International Relationships:** Emphasize traditional alliances with Western democracies, Five Eyes partners, and deepening diplomatic and trade ties within the Indo-Pacific. There is a strong focus on trade diversification, open market access, and partnering with nations that share strategic and economic values.
* **Defence & Regional Security:** Generally support strong interoperability with traditional security partners and active participation in regional security architecture. For instance, the centre-right has shown openness to exploring technological security partnerships (such as looking at aspects of AUKUS Pillar 2) while balancing economic ties with key trading partners like China. 
* **Fiscal Priorities in Foreign Policy:** The National-led bloc tends to balance foreign commitments with domestic fiscal discipline; for example, recent policy adjustments have involved prioritizing targeted foreign aid (such as protecting Pacific-focused aid allocations) while trimming administrative or broader aid footprints elsewhere.

### 2. Centre-Left and Progressive Opposition (Labour, Greens)
* **International Relationships:** 
  * **Labour** typically champions an independent, values-based foreign policy rooted in multilateralism, international law, and strong engagement through the United Nations and Pacific regional forums (like the Pacific Islands Forum). 
  * **The Greens** advocate heavily for an independent, non-violent foreign policy centered on global human rights, environmental protection, climate justice, and strong opposition to nuclear proliferation. They frequently push back against closer integration into major-power military pacts.
* **Defence & Regional Security:** Both parties prioritize soft power, climate security (recognizing climate change as an existential threat to the Pacific), and humanitarian/disaster relief capabilities for the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF). They place a high value on maintaining New Zealand's independent foreign policy track record rather than becoming overly entangled in broader great-power military blocs.

### 3. Nationalist and Populist Parties (New Zealand First)
* **International Relationships:** Grounded strongly in **economic nationalism** and strategic independence. New Zealand First often cautions against foreign interference and foreign ownership of domestic strategic assets, advocating that New Zealand's foreign policy should prioritize sovereign national interests above all else.
* **Defence & Regional Security:** Strongly supports a well-resourced sovereign defence force to protect New Zealand’s maritime boundaries, exclusive economic zone (EEZ), and immediate Pacific neighborhood, while viewing entanglements in distant overseas conflicts with skepticism.

### 4. Minor and Movement Parties (Te Pāti Māori, Alliance)
* **Te Pāti Māori:** Approaches international relations through an indigenous rights and Te Tiriti-centred lens, often drawing global solidarity connections with other Indigenous peoples worldwide, emphasizing human rights, and criticizing foreign policy decisions perceived to violate international humanitarian law.
* **The Alliance (and similar minor progressive/pacifist groups):** Campaign on a platform of strict non-alignment, calling for New Zealand to withdraw from military alliances like Five Eyes, close foreign military/intelligence infrastructure on New Zealand soil, and pivot the NZDF entirely away from combat capability toward peacekeeping and civil defense.

---

### Context for Returning Kiwis
If you are planning your return and weighing how these foreign policy positions map onto your vote, the overarching debate in New Zealand politics largely boils down to a tension between:
1. **Pragmatic, traditional alignment** (deepening security and economic cooperation with traditional Western and Indo-Pacific democratic partners), versus
2. **Independent non-alignment** (prioritizing an autonomous, peace-focused, and multilateral diplomatic voice, particularly within the Pacific).

**End captured answer**

## Google AI Mode · asked nationally

Answer ID: 7ce76f35-e8fb-4b89-b463-598b077a4d7b. Captured 16 October 2026.

**Begin captured answer — shown as given, not verified**

As New Zealand approaches the late-2026 general election, political parties offer distinct visions for the country’s place in the world, balancing traditional independent foreign policy, rising geopolitical tensions, Pacific regional security, and defence spending.

The positions of the major and minor parties highlight differing priorities regarding international engagement, aid, and defence.

National-Led Government / Current Administration Perspective

Represented by the National Party and its coalition partners (including New Zealand First and ACT), the current government frames its foreign policy through a lens of strategic "realism"—acknowledging a difficult and volatile global environment defined by major-power competition and a shift "from rules to power". [Interest.co.nz]

 * * **Defence and Security:** The government has prioritized strengthening New Zealand’s military capabilities. Budget frameworks have committed to lifting defence spending toward 2% of GDP over the coming decade to address years of capability shortfalls and asset aging. Foreign Minister Winston Peters (NZ First) has defended this approach as necessary to maintain national agency and security amid growing strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific.

 * **Foreign Aid and Development:** The National Party has advocated for a more targeted, value-for-money approach to foreign aid, prioritizing core national interests and the Pacific region while trimming spending on lower-priority multilateral or distant bilateral programs. The government argues that security, regional resilience, and tailored aid must be tightly aligned. [RNZ]

 *

The Labour Party Perspective

The Labour Party argues for a foreign policy that balances practical diplomacy with explicit moral clarity, cautioning against a drift toward "militarisation" at the expense of developmental and climate goals.

 * * **International Law and Human Rights:** Labour pledges a more activist diplomatic stance, stating it would formally recognize the State of Palestine, support intervention in international legal proceedings regarding the Genocide Convention, and place economic sanctions linked to occupied territories. They emphasize New Zealand's role as an "honest broker" supporting multilateral institutions. [NZ Labour Party]

 * **Aid versus Defence:** Labour opposes matching open-ended or escalating defence spending targets advocated by others, positioning aid, climate support, and diplomatic capacity as co-equal priorities with defence. They emphasize that Pacific island nations view climate change, economic development, and energy resilience as their primary security challenges. Labour also aims to deepen ties with traditional middle-power partners like the European Union, Canada, and ASEAN.

 *

Minor Parties (Green Party, NZ First, ACT)

 * * **The Green Party:** Emphasizes a peace-centred foreign policy with a strong focus on climate diplomacy, international human rights, and increased international aid (advocating alignment with the 0.7% GNI/GDP standard). They traditionally oppose militarization, advocate for independent and peaceful peacekeeping roles, and strongly support multilateral climate and humanitarian frameworks.

 * **New Zealand First:** Under Winston Peters, NZ First champions a staunchly independent, realist foreign policy focused heavily on New Zealand's immediate sovereign and economic interests in the Indo-Pacific and South Pacific. They view robust regional partnerships and defensive preparedness as essential to shielding New Zealand from external economic and strategic coercion.

 * **ACT New Zealand:** Generally favors a pragmatic, trade-focused international posture, aligning defence needs closely with traditional democratic allies while prioritizing fiscal restraint in government expenditure, including development assistance.

**End captured answer**

## Publication and corrections

Published and funded by Onsomble Limited. NZBrands.ai takes no view on any party or policy.

[Independence](https://nzbrands.ai/about/independence/) · [Corrections](https://nzbrands.ai/about/corrections/) · [Contact](https://nzbrands.ai/about/contact/)