# Question 140: For the 2026 New Zealand general election: Compare parties' positions on foreign relationships, defence, trade and regional security.

Collected 26 October 2026

[NZ Election 2026 · Edition 6 study](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/6)

## ChatGPT

Answer ID: b526441b-d803-4981-843c-cf8855260c89

# New Zealand 2026 election: Foreign policy, defence, trade and regional security

The key question for New Zealand voters is how the parties would balance four priorities: maintaining New Zealand's independence, protecting trade and prosperity, strengthening national defence, and managing a more contested Indo-Pacific region.

These issues are closely connected. New Zealand relies on international trade, has longstanding security ties with Australia and other partners, and must navigate its relationships with China, the United States and Pacific Island countries without unnecessarily compromising its own interests.

The most useful comparison looks at both the parties' underlying approaches and what those approaches could mean in practice. It is also important to distinguish established party policies from proposals that may still change before the 2026 general election.

## 1. At a glance: where the major parties differ

This comparison focuses on the seven parties most relevant to the current election: National, Labour, ACT, New Zealand First, the Green Party, Te Pāti Māori and The Opportunities Party (TOP). Their published policies and campaign announcements are not equally detailed, so some distinctions below are firmer than others. [Election policy tracker: what the parties are promising](https://stories.theconversation.com/nz-policy-tracker-2026/)[Know Your Vote](https://knowyourvote.nz/)[Policies for Party vote - NZ Election 2026](https://policy.nz/2026/party-vote/policies/defence-and-foreign-affairs)

| Party | Foreign relationships | Defence and security | Trade and economic relationships |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| National | Stronger alignment with traditional Western security partners | Supports strengthening defence capabilities and international security cooperation | Export growth and wider market access |
| Labour | Independent, balanced diplomacy; stronger EU, Canadian, ASEAN and Pacific ties | Supports established partnerships but opposes joining AUKUS | Open trade, diversified markets and constructive relations with both the US and China |
| ACT | Emphasis on national interests and Western partnerships | More security-focused; favours stronger defence capability | Business-led growth, market access and more selective overseas aid |
| New Zealand First | Sovereignty, national interest and strategic independence | Proposes a substantial defence expansion | Diversification, export support and supply-chain resilience |
| Green Party | Independent diplomacy, human rights, peace and multilateral institutions | Conflict prevention, disarmament and opposition to deeper AUKUS involvement | Trade and investment assessed against environmental and social justice goals |
| Te Pāti Māori | Military neutrality, Pacific and Indigenous relationships | Refocus the Defence Force on territorial protection, disaster response and Pacific support | Less emphasis on military alignment; a Pacific-centred foreign policy |
| TOP | Check its latest specific foreign-policy commitments before drawing a firm conclusion | Insufficiently clear in the sources reviewed for a detailed comparison | Evaluate its current trade proposals separately rather than assuming a conventional left–right position |

Sources: party statements and 2026 election policy comparisons. [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/)[Manifesto 2026](https://www.greens.org.nz/manifesto_2026)[Military neutrality](https://www.maoriparty.org.nz/military_neutrality)[2023 Election Policies](https://www.nzfirst.nz/2023_policies)[Know Your Vote](https://knowyourvote.nz/)

The biggest divide is not simply between left and right. It is between parties that favour closer security alignment with Western partners, those seeking a more balanced independent approach, and those advocating formal military neutrality.

## 2. Foreign relationships: the US, China, Australia and the Pacific

![THE100NEWS](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/8KDnS-2OXb9g_ts0JqoZCXlwGvwK9x3eLHJ8gszEM0vkOP58nyCkoSw-KyaDPqK0qwIGS_6EIxlnAXMhyXe11-qRRLI4l-dStwqsjGDx9DDTasQ7jGSqcCRIUD-Rr2uXnepB07k7fXAZV1Lq3sWyH-ywQdspw5JXOZD_DsgyETM?purpose=inline)

## National and ACT: stronger Western security links

National's approach puts weight on cooperation with traditional partners, particularly Australia and other Western democracies. ACT generally takes a more explicitly security-oriented position, emphasising national interests and the importance of credible defence capabilities.

The practical question for both parties is how far closer cooperation with the US and its partners should extend, particularly as strategic competition with China intensifies.

![China, NZ pledge efforts to further strengthen relations](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/JdpvI2pS_NnBM8Jk_3o_o1AXBEjkHMdQreS_Wwv-d-hR1xxMuklYF4fqeqkQMRb5g1d-dA6Y51t2F06C_FfvRaYyQRJUn70sligq0DCqS6j-3GT5p2TiHJhOS4bGTJSSO_z-Gdyss9Gi13SH8GqsKZy7e_bipr6yfG8Pp5wIbXk?purpose=inline)

## Labour: balance and strategic independence

Labour says New Zealand should maintain important relationships with both the US and China, cooperating where possible while retaining the ability to disagree. It also wants closer relationships with the European Union, Canada and ASEAN countries.

Labour has explicitly ruled out joining either pillar of AUKUS, arguing that New Zealand should not have its foreign policy determined by Washington, Beijing or Canberra. [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/)

![China, climate crisis and Cop31: five takeaways from the Pacific Islands Forum - EDGE news](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/PJwRGr3Z6u5DQdLI2YM_THy4vBVpeDYMzs2Hh8dGhH0kYOd9lRzQlo62zX2ugfgu-cmXJBL-OxznXVV93ppgInRHEYSzwETCUYcL8zOIiuqKKd10r0kczLGB75sGVxqN4iY9qSWwtw0hB3XjH_ZYsNp23F8FN5fqOffQf1q4KSY?purpose=inline)

## Greens and Te Pāti Māori: peace, sovereignty and Pacific priorities

Both favour an independent foreign policy and resist deeper military alignment that could draw New Zealand into great-power conflict.

The Greens emphasise international law, human rights, climate diplomacy and multilateral cooperation. Te Pāti Māori goes further by proposing formal military neutrality, a review of existing military alignments and stronger Pacific and Indigenous relationships. [Manifesto 2026](https://www.greens.org.nz/manifesto_2026)[Democracy and International Relations](https://www.greens.org.nz/democracy_and_international_relations)[Military neutrality](https://www.maoriparty.org.nz/military_neutrality)

![Penny Wong’s Pacific tour set to strengthen regional partnership and development | RNZ News](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/-AG73v16U0rSipvPk0Rje0teqGwDWnuldiqyySM_dULxIwxLLdpCdkeRGnuvCECKDUQjdFPe2lKliUfWenHlVD7rMm6v4q0YGUYZb8gAwkSFR6SBzXfE_LV_pQCWycDDBswL95WNJDyAW8bJB6lq3Ocb283jwzulOVrKx3VqGX4?purpose=inline)

## New Zealand First: sovereignty and strategic resilience

New Zealand First stresses national sovereignty, independent decision-making and practical cooperation with a diverse range of countries. Its earlier published foreign-affairs policy supports expanding New Zealand's Indo-Pacific relationships and strengthening export links with Commonwealth countries.

Its 2026 campaign also proposes a much larger defence force. This combines a sovereignty-focused message with a strong emphasis on national security. [2023 Election Policies](https://www.nzfirst.nz/2023_policies)[Election policy tracker: what the parties are promising](https://stories.theconversation.com/nz-policy-tracker-2026/)

### What this means for New Zealand

- US relationship: National and ACT are more comfortable with closer security cooperation; Labour wants to preserve established relationships without joining AUKUS; the Greens and Te Pāti Māori are more opposed to deeper military alignment.
- China relationship: Labour explicitly argues for balancing the relationship with China against its US ties. Other parties' positions should be assessed by their specific security, investment and trade policies rather than assuming that criticism of Beijing means support for cutting economic ties.
- Australia: All these approaches must account for Australia's central role in New Zealand's security and economic relationships, although they differ on how closely New Zealand should follow Australian strategic decisions.
- Pacific: The Greens and Te Pāti Māori place particularly strong emphasis on Pacific self-determination and peaceful cooperation. Labour also identifies the Pacific as central to New Zealand's foreign policy. National, ACT and New Zealand First place greater emphasis on security, resilience and strategic competition alongside regional relationships.

## 3. Defence: how much should New Zealand invest, and what should it prepare for?

Defence is one of the clearest areas of disagreement. The choices involve not just spending, but the purpose of the armed forces, the relationships they support and the circumstances in which New Zealand would deploy them.

| Party | Main direction |
| --- | --- |
| National | Strengthen defence capability and cooperation with traditional security partners. |
| Labour | Maintain defence partnerships while preserving independent decision-making; reject joining either AUKUS pillar. |
| ACT | Prioritise national security and stronger defence capability; reduce aid spending outside priority areas. |
| New Zealand First | Proposes lifting defence spending to 3% of GDP by 2032, restructuring the Defence Force and increasing personnel to more than 20,000. |
| Greens | Prioritise prevention of conflict, peaceful resolution, disarmament and independent foreign policy. |
| Te Pāti Māori | Declare military neutrality and refocus defence on protecting New Zealand, disaster response and supporting the Pacific. |
| TOP | Specific, current defence commitments need further verification. |

The New Zealand First spending target is a campaign proposal reported in the 2026 policy tracker, not an existing spending commitment shared by the other parties. [Election policy tracker: what the parties are promising](https://stories.theconversation.com/nz-policy-tracker-2026/)[Release: A Labour Government will not join AUKUS](https://www.labour.org.nz/news/release-a-labour-government-will-not-join-aukus/)[Manifesto 2026](https://www.greens.org.nz/manifesto_2026)[Military neutrality](https://www.maoriparty.org.nz/military_neutrality)[Know Your Vote](https://knowyourvote.nz/)

### The AUKUS question

AUKUS is the security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States. It includes a nuclear-powered submarine programme and a separate technology-sharing pillar covering areas such as advanced capabilities.

New Zealand's nuclear-free policy is a related but distinct issue: participating in AUKUS technology cooperation does not automatically mean accepting nuclear-powered submarines into New Zealand waters.

- National and ACT are more receptive to closer Western security cooperation.
- Labour has explicitly ruled out both AUKUS pillars.
- The Greens oppose joining either pillar, including the technology-focused one.
- Te Pāti Māori's neutrality policy calls for reviewing and withdrawing from military arrangements that undermine sovereignty.

These differences matter because closer security cooperation can improve intelligence sharing, interoperability and access to technology, but may also increase diplomatic tensions with China or create expectations about New Zealand's future involvement in a conflict. [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)[Military neutrality](https://www.maoriparty.org.nz/military_neutrality)

### What should defence spending achieve?

The practical test is whether additional investment delivers the capabilities New Zealand actually needs: maritime surveillance, protection of its extensive ocean territory, cyber defence, transport and logistics, disaster relief, and the ability to operate with Australia and Pacific partners.

A higher spending target does not by itself establish which party has the best plan. The detail of procurement, personnel, readiness and funding matters just as much as the headline percentage.

## 4. Trade: China, export markets and economic security

New Zealand's prosperity depends on access to overseas markets. The policy challenge is to expand trade without creating excessive dependence on one country or compromising security and environmental objectives.

![Trade surplus for July on China dairy exports - NZ Herald](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/fs2eQqR1jdNq1jeJWaxmPPdHtCqZgiH5fTmIMnINOHgIfQ6nVcsG0jEnkUhy-pQl0Tror3nq8JE3c0TEzkuMr9fjQMjboPAceFMaHOSX9bTBH1bsyjaH2kcrjkmhSYCuxMf3IDHqrplw5-QU6tA3G6sn5DRopajB-mhQ_yLRqmY?purpose=inline)

### National: grow export earnings

National has made export growth a major economic priority, including a goal to double export earnings by 2034. Its approach favours business growth, market access and helping New Zealand firms sell more overseas. [2026 Election Policy](https://www.national.org.nz/policies)[Policies for Party vote - NZ Election 2026](https://policy.nz/2026/party-vote/policies/defence-and-foreign-affairs)

![Work begins on Bledisloe North wharf under $200m Auckland port upgrade](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/e8r0LHC6ojPACDKMWfnv2iWOONm0NjUC9bGGbt5lb8l2OVjnidF45fI6EA5s9FmLGhyvN0QnUO2J5DdXTSghQiSpHf-uxV90I51-Tdm5FSyXZv02ITDOhJogS1zUE6AEMUnE1zDXg5P-Uc8pa7Q75VM-20WuHHjixL8114CsvEg?purpose=inline)

### Labour: diversification without abandoning major partners

Labour emphasises open trade, maintaining relationships with both China and the US, and expanding opportunities in Europe, Canada, ASEAN, Africa and South America. The aim is to retain valuable existing markets while broadening New Zealand's options. [Speech: Labour's foreign policy](https://www.labour.org.nz/news/speech-labours-foreign-policy/)[Foreign Affairs](https://www.labour.org.nz/foreign-affairs)

![Cold chain logistics: our first ebook hot off the press](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/217EnqhLbZluMo7-WKEYZOsaDUGYeZ5fvjAptPYFDSqdtp83VNWNhcUOKTdCO_PLlByn89HF29FZD7pNDAn5G7twd0QZxyjKRXPjRPg9aXGxUc6-CNNkQ4gFttnz3uZZajKNApIugVl5sT3e17nz_eOVd6SVDrbJm9fq4Qj7aQA?purpose=inline)

### ACT and New Zealand First: commercial opportunity and resilience

ACT's business-oriented approach stresses economic growth and national interests. New Zealand First has advocated new trade agreements, export credit support, market diversification and more resilient supply chains.

New Zealand First's published 2023 policy provides useful background, but its proposals should not automatically be treated as unchanged 2026 commitments. [2023 Election Policies](https://www.nzfirst.nz/2023_policies)[Know Your Vote](https://knowyourvote.nz/)

![Ohai Wind Farm — Kakariki](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/h18oRlYOS12HUxGwt9_8XCiYmHm0IAANPYdCZ6WBWmb7wj_Va76z6i3x4-KT9pty8ByizTbbBasaYlx-BKcLCRcRiThWGTt-uGBcozxDaxcoWaD0IcZLSvmUYuWSXuQZWWwjylQFdzSmoBECqjnw5vZmulUIBuu0anrjHOd8sBo?purpose=inline)

### Greens: trade with environmental and social safeguards

The Greens support trade and foreign investment that meet sustainability and social-justice objectives. They also argue that climate commitments are important to preserving New Zealand's international credibility and access to markets. [Manifesto 2026](https://www.greens.org.nz/manifesto_2026)[Democracy and International Relations](https://www.greens.org.nz/democracy_and_international_relations)[Foreign Affairs Minister fails to seek advice on leaving Paris Agreement](https://www.greens.org.nz/foreign_affairs_minister_fails_to_seek_advice_on_leaving_paris_agreement)

### The central trade-off

New Zealand cannot easily separate its trade policy from its security policy.

- China offers significant commercial opportunities, but overdependence on any single market can expose exporters to diplomatic disputes, economic pressure or changes in demand.
- The US and other Western partners offer security, investment and technology relationships, but closer alignment can complicate relations with China.
- Europe and ASEAN offer diversification opportunities, although establishing new markets takes time and does not necessarily replace existing export revenue quickly.
- Pacific economic cooperation can improve regional resilience, but it requires sustained investment, trust and attention to the priorities of Pacific governments.

A sensible comparison therefore asks not just which party wants more trade, but how it would diversify markets, protect supply chains and respond if a major trading partner used economic pressure for political purposes.

## 5. Regional security: the Pacific and the wider Indo-Pacific

New Zealand's regional security priorities include competition between major powers, maritime security, cyber threats, illegal fishing, disaster preparedness and the effects of climate change.

The parties differ in which of these they put first.

| Regional issue | Strongest emphasis among the parties |
| --- | --- |
| Traditional security partnerships and military capability | National and ACT |
| Defence expansion and national sovereignty | New Zealand First |
| Balancing major powers and maintaining diplomatic independence | Labour |
| Conflict prevention, disarmament and climate diplomacy | Greens |
| Formal neutrality, Pacific self-determination and Indigenous relationships | Te Pāti Māori |
| Detailed current regional-security programme | TOP's position requires further verification |

[Speech: Labour's foreign policy](https://www.labour.org.nz/news/speech-labours-foreign-policy/)[2023 Election Policies](https://www.nzfirst.nz/2023_policies)[Manifesto 2026](https://www.greens.org.nz/manifesto_2026)[Military neutrality](https://www.maoriparty.org.nz/military_neutrality)[Know Your Vote](https://knowyourvote.nz/)

There are three especially important considerations.

First, the Pacific should not be treated only as a strategic competition between China and Western powers. Pacific governments have their own security priorities, including climate adaptation, economic development, infrastructure and sovereignty. Labour, the Greens and Te Pāti Māori particularly emphasise Pacific agency, although their proposed methods differ.

Second, climate change is also a security issue. Rising sea levels, extreme weather and pressure on infrastructure can affect livelihoods, displacement and regional stability. The Greens give this dimension particular prominence; Labour also proposes stronger climate diplomacy and Pacific climate cooperation. [Speech: Labour's foreign policy](https://www.labour.org.nz/news/speech-labours-foreign-policy/)[Manifesto 2026](https://www.greens.org.nz/manifesto_2026)

Third, New Zealand must decide how it would respond to a regional crisis. Working with allies can improve preparedness and deterrence. A more neutral approach may give New Zealand greater freedom to mediate and avoid involvement in some conflicts, but it raises questions about intelligence sharing, defence cooperation and the credibility of support from partners in a crisis.

These are genuine strategic trade-offs rather than differences that can be resolved simply by choosing a higher or lower defence budget.

## 6. Which parties are closest to each other?

### National and ACT

Closest on security orientation

Both generally favour stronger Western security ties and a defence posture that takes strategic competition seriously. They are not identical, particularly on the balance between defence, aid and other government spending.

### Labour and the Greens

Closest on independent diplomacy and international institutions

Both stress diplomacy and international law, and oppose joining AUKUS. Labour puts more emphasis on balancing major-power relationships and expanding trade; the Greens give greater weight to disarmament, climate action and ethical conditions on international engagement.

### Te Pāti Māori and the Greens

Closest on resisting military alignment

Both advocate independent foreign policy and peaceful conflict resolution. Te Pāti Māori's proposal for formal military neutrality is a more explicit institutional commitment than a general preference for independence.

### New Zealand First

A distinct sovereignty-and-defence position

New Zealand First combines national-interest language and trade diversification with a proposed major increase in defence spending. It does not fit neatly into either a low-military-footprint or conventional pro-alliance category.

These are broad areas of overlap, not guarantees about coalition agreements or how parties would vote on every foreign-policy question.

## 7. How to decide which approach best fits your priorities

The following questions help distinguish the parties' actual strategic choices.

## Bottom line

The central choice in the 2026 election is how New Zealand should manage its independence in an increasingly contested region.

- If you prioritise closer security partnerships, deterrence and stronger defence capability, start with National and ACT.
- If you favour balanced relations with the US and China, continued trade diversification and independent diplomacy, Labour is a particularly relevant comparison.
- If you prioritise peacebuilding, international law, disarmament and climate diplomacy, examine the Greens.
- If you favour formal military neutrality and a Pacific- and Indigenous-centred foreign policy, examine Te Pāti Māori.
- If you favour sovereignty combined with a substantial defence expansion and practical trade diversification, examine New Zealand First.

These are foreign-policy comparisons, not overall voting recommendations. Coalition compromises, implementation costs and the detail of each party's published commitments also matter.

For checking specific pledges, the most useful starting points are [Policy.nz's 2026 defence and foreign affairs comparison](https://policy.nz/2026/party-vote/policies/defence-and-foreign-affairs?utm_source=chatgpt.com) and [The Conversation's 2026 policy tracker](https://stories.theconversation.com/nz-policy-tracker-2026/?utm_source=chatgpt.com), alongside the parties' own policy documents. [Policies for Party vote - NZ Election 2026](https://policy.nz/2026/party-vote/policies/defence-and-foreign-affairs)[Election policy tracker: what the parties are promising](https://stories.theconversation.com/nz-policy-tracker-2026/)

## Gemini

Answer ID: 74d151c8-40eb-4527-8ad4-37e603e135a6

In the lead-up to the **November 7, 2026 New Zealand general election**, political parties have drawn distinct lines across foreign affairs, defence, regional security, and trade. While there is widespread domestic consensus on maintaining New Zealand's independent, nuclear-free status, significant debates persist regarding military alignment (such as AUKUS), defense spending, trade diversification, and national sovereignty. 

---

### 1. Foreign Policy and Regional Security
* **National and the Incumbent Coalition:** The National-led government maintains a traditional Western-aligned security posture, balancing strong economic ties with China against deeper security cooperation with traditional partners like Australia, the United States, and the UK. 
* **New Zealand First:** Emphasises a strong "national interest test" for international agreements. New Zealand First has pushed back against multilateral or UN-associated frameworks that it argues could cede domestic regulatory sovereignty, advocating that New Zealand law must strictly take precedence.
* **Green Party and Te Pāti Māori (Opposition/Left):** Advocate for a more independent, peace-centric foreign policy framework. The Greens emphasize international law, nuclear disarmament, shared climate action, and stronger diplomatic engagement focused primarily on the Pacific rather than major-power alignment. They, alongside minor progressive groups, heavily scrutinize close entanglements with broader military frameworks.

### 2. Defence and Alliances (AUKUS and Military Spending)
* **The AUKUS Debate:** The security landscape—specifically New Zealand's potential engagement with Pillar II of the AUKUS security pact—has been a major flashpoint. The center-right blocks have kept open options for technological cooperation under AUKUS Pillar II, framing it as vital for maritime security in the Indo-Pacific. 
* **Left and Minor Parties:** Parties like the Greens strongly oppose alignment with AUKUS, arguing it undermines New Zealand's independent, nuclear-free identity. Reports from peace and disarmament collectives highlight a deep ideological split between parties favoring expanded regional military interoperability and those advocating for strict military neutrality or non-alignment.

### 3. Trade and Economic Diplomacy
* **Pursuit of New Markets:** Trade remains a crucial pillar for economic growth. The incumbent National-led government has aggressively pursued export market expansion, placing a heavy emphasis on securing and ratifying high-profile agreements—such as the free trade agreement (FTA) with India signed earlier in 2026. 
* **Coalition Friction:** Trade policy has occasionally highlighted internal tensions within the governing arrangements. For instance, while National and the opposition Labour Party have often found bipartisan alignment on traditional trade liberalisation, coalition partner New Zealand First has raised domestic and immigration-related objections to certain fast-tracked trade setups.
* **Broader Opposition Views:** The progressive and green blocs generally emphasize ethical trade, demanding that human rights and climate metrics be tightly bound to any international economic partnerships, alongside increasing climate-focused aid to the Pacific.

## Google AI Mode

Answer ID: cbb58536-b1e5-4ce6-9c0a-813fb68ea7d9

For the **2026 New Zealand general election** , political parties hold distinct visions for New Zealand’s place in the world, ranging from traditional Western security alliances and free-market trade to independent neutrality, regional Pacific focus, and progressive peacekeeping.

* * *

Party-by-Party Position Comparison

Party| Foreign Relationships| Defence & Regional Security| Trade Policy
---|---|---|---
**New Zealand National Party**| Focuses on strengthening traditional ties (Five Eyes, US, UK) and deepening trans-Tasman integration (such as trans-Tasman digital passports).| Supports modernising the New Zealand Defence Force, backing regional stability in the Indo-Pacific, and close alignment with traditional democratic security partners.| Prioritises expanding bilateral and multilateral free trade agreements and reducing friction in regional commerce.
**New Zealand Labour Party**| Emphasises strong diplomatic engagement and a dedicated Pacific-first foreign policy (focusing on Pacific travel, climate cooperation, and aid).| Supports multilateral security frameworks, cooperative regional diplomacy, and maintaining well-resourced defence capabilities for humanitarian and peacekeeping roles.| Advocates for sustainable trade, protecting labor and environmental standards in trade deals, and supporting Pacific trade links.
**Green Party**| Champions an independent, anti-nuclear foreign policy with a heavy emphasis on international law, diplomacy, and global conflict resolution rather than military blocs.| Favours non-violent conflict prevention, international peacekeeping, and redirecting resources toward climate security and humanitarian aid rather than combat expansion.| Opposes trade agreements that compromise domestic environmental, climate, or indigenous sovereignty protections.
**New Zealand First**| Centers on an "independent and sovereign" foreign policy, prioritizing national interest, self-reliance, and cautious engagement with major powers.| Emphasizes boosting domestic defence readiness, border protection, and stricter immigration/visa controls (including visa caps).| Favors pragmatic trade diversification while protecting local industries and critical domestic infrastructure from foreign control.
**Te Pāti Māori**| Roots foreign policy in _tino rangatiratanga_ (self-determination) and global indigenous solidarity, opposing imperialist military entanglements.| Advocates for demilitarization, peaceful diplomacy, and strong solidarity with oppressed indigenous or decolonized nations globally.| Focuses on fair trade, protecting Māori economic sovereignty, and ensuring trade pacts do not override local environmental or treaty rights.

* * *

Key Thematic Differences

 * * **Alliances vs. Independent Foreign Policy:** Parties like **National** lean into traditional Western security and intelligence architectures (such as the Five Eyes network), whereas **New Zealand First** and **Te Pāti Māori** emphasize national sovereignty, cautious non-alignment, or independent positioning away from major-power proxy tensions.

 * **Defence Spending and Priorities:** **National** and **New Zealand First** emphasize upgrading operational defence and border enforcement capacities, while the **Green Party** and **Te Pāti Māori** prioritize peace-building, climate-related security, and diplomatic or humanitarian aid over military build-ups. [The Conversation]

 * **The Pacific Focus:** **Labour** centers its external strategy heavily on Pacific Island relationships, climate resilience, and regional mobility, aligning closely with Pacific-led security frameworks like the Boe Declaration. [The Conversation]

 * **Trade Approach:** Mainstream parties (**National** , **Labour**) focus on expanding or maintaining formal trade deals and digital cross-border facilitation, whereas minor parties (**Green Party** , **Te Pāti Māori** , **NZ First**) place stricter conditions on trade agreements to safeguard local labor, environmental standards, and sovereign control. [The Conversation]

 *

You can explore full interactive breakdowns of individual party manifests and compare specific policy stances on Policy.nz. Policy.nz - NZ Election 2026