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

For an eligible New Zealand voter living overseas and weighing up a return, international policy matters for more than diplomacy. It can affect defence spending and taxes, trade and export jobs, immigration and skills, the cost of living, and New Zealand’s relationships with Australia, China, the United States and Pacific neighbours.

The main distinction to explore is how each party balances security partnerships, economic relationships and New Zealand’s independent foreign-policy traditions. Parties can agree that New Zealand needs strong international relationships while differing on how closely to align with major powers, how much to spend on defence, and how to approach China and the Pacific.

The comparison below focuses on the major parties represented in Parliament and their documented policy directions. Because the election is in 2026, it is important to distinguish established positions and government actions from any new election promises that may not yet have been fully published.

1. How the parties differ

National, Labour and ACT: security partnerships and international engagement

National

National’s established approach combines an independent foreign policy with close security relationships with Australia and other traditional partners, a capable Defence Force, and expanding export markets. The current government’s defence strategy emphasises collective security and strengthening partnerships, particularly with Australia. National also has an economic interest in maintaining access to China and other Asian markets. Foreign Affairs,Defence strategy2026 Election Policy

Main question to consider: How much closer should New Zealand move towards traditional security partners, and what should that mean for defence spending and relations with China?

Labour

Labour’s published 2026 foreign-affairs policy puts particular emphasis on multilateral institutions, international law, peace, human rights and broader diplomatic relationships. It proposes strengthening ties with the EU, Canada, ASEAN and Pacific countries; greater parliamentary scrutiny if New Zealand joins armed conflicts; and progressively raising overseas development assistance towards 0.7% of gross national income, as fiscal conditions allow. Foreign AffairsLabour's 2026 Election Policies

Main question to consider: How should New Zealand combine security partnerships with greater emphasis on diplomacy, international law and development?

ACT

ACT’s recent defence messaging stresses military readiness, operational capability and supporting allies. It argues that the Defence Force should focus on its core defence role. In evaluating ACT, look particularly at its approach to military capability, alliance cooperation, spending priorities and the balance between defence duties and other institutional objectives. ACT New ZealandDefence strategy

Main question to consider: What level of military capability and allied interoperability is necessary, and what domestic spending trade-offs would you accept?

Greens, NZ First and Te Pāti Māori: different ideas of independence and security

Green Party

The Greens advocate an independent, principled foreign policy centred on peace, human rights, international justice, climate cooperation and non-violent conflict resolution. Their 2026 manifesto frames New Zealand as a potential independent voice for peace and international solidarity, and supports deeper, reciprocal relationships with Pacific communities. Manifesto 2026Democracy and International Relations

Main question to consider: Should diplomacy, conflict prevention, climate security and development receive greater priority relative to military alignment?

New Zealand First (NZ First)

NZ First stresses national sovereignty, domestic decision-making and a foreign policy that prioritises New Zealand's own interests and its immediate region. Its founding principles emphasise being a reliable regional neighbour and focusing foreign aid on the Pacific. Its 2026 policy proposals include a substantial defence overhaul and lifting defence spending to 3% of GDP by 2032. Our founding principlesElection policy tracker: what the parties are promisingForeign affairs and sovereignty: party comparison 2026

Main question to consider: How should national sovereignty and regional priorities be balanced against international commitments, and how should a major defence expansion be funded?

Te Pāti Māori

Te Pāti Māori has explicitly proposed declaring New Zealand militarily neutral, resetting foreign policy around Māori values and Pacific and Indigenous relationships, reviewing and withdrawing from military alignments it considers detrimental to sovereignty, and refocusing the Defence Force on national protection, disaster response and Pacific support. Military neutralityPolicies for Party vote - NZ Election 2026

Main question to consider: Would military neutrality strengthen New Zealand’s independent decision-making, or reduce the security benefits of existing alliances?

These are differences in stated policy direction, not a guarantee of what any party would implement in government. Coalition agreements, international events, costs and parliamentary negotiations can all affect the outcome.

2. The three international questions that matter most

A. Australia, the US and other security partners

New Zealand’s government defence strategy prioritises the security of New Zealand and its immediate region, stronger cooperation with Australia, and contributions to collective security. Defence strategy

• National and ACT emphasise defence capability and cooperation with security partners.
• Labour places additional emphasis on international law, diplomacy and parliamentary scrutiny of decisions to enter armed conflicts.
• The Greens stress independent, peaceful international engagement.
• Te Pāti Māori explicitly proposes military neutrality; NZ First stresses sovereignty and national interests.

The practical distinction is how much military cooperation New Zealand should undertake, and whether closer alignment creates more security or more risk of involvement in conflicts beyond the region.

B. China, trade and strategic competition

China matters both as a major trading partner and as a major strategic power in the Indo-Pacific. New Zealand has to consider export income, economic resilience, security concerns and its ability to make independent decisions. Foreign Affairs,Defence strategyElection policy tracker: what the parties are promising

When comparing parties, look beyond general statements about having an independent foreign policy. Ask whether they would:

• Prioritise access to Chinese markets or diversify trade more aggressively.
• Support stronger security coordination with Australia and other partners.
• Impose restrictions on sensitive technology, investment or security cooperation.
• Balance commercial relationships against human rights and strategic concerns.

These questions are particularly relevant if your career or prospective employer depends on exports, international investment, technology or government contracts.

C. The Pacific, climate security and regional influence

Pacific relationships encompass disaster response, maritime security, development assistance, climate change, labour mobility and strategic competition between larger powers. New Zealand’s defence strategy explicitly includes regional stability and security. Defence strategyForeign Affairs

• Labour proposes deeper Pacific economic integration, easier movement of money and data, expanded visa-waiver access and increased development assistance over time.
• The Greens emphasise reciprocal partnerships, climate action and solidarity with Pacific communities.
• NZ First prioritises regional relationships in its foreign-aid principles.
• Te Pāti Māori proposes centring foreign policy and defence more strongly on the Pacific and Indigenous relationships.
• National’s established approach combines regional security with broader international partnerships and trade opportunities.

If you expect to work in public services, infrastructure, climate adaptation, logistics, education or regional development, these priorities may have practical implications for government funding and employment.

3. Defence spending: what is the actual trade-off?

The most useful concrete figure in the current comparison is NZ First’s proposal to raise defence spending to 3% of GDP by 2032. Its broader proposal includes organisational restructuring and increasing Defence Force personnel. Election policy tracker: what the parties are promisingForeign affairs and sovereignty: party comparison 2026

That is a proposed spending target, not the current level of spending or a guarantee of implementation.

When examining defence proposals, compare four things:

Question	Why it matters
How much will be spent?	Higher spending may require additional revenue, borrowing or reductions in other spending.
What capabilities will be purchased?	Personnel, maritime surveillance, aircraft, cyber security and equipment have different costs and purposes.
What commitments come with the spending?	Interoperability and joint operations can deepen alliances and affect future decisions.
What other priorities compete for funding?	Health, housing, infrastructure, education and climate resilience also require public resources.

Military neutrality and increased defence capability are not necessarily opposites: a neutral country can maintain substantial armed forces. The key difference is how it participates in alliances and military operations.

4. How to use this comparison when deciding whether to return

Given that you are weighing jobs, housing and New Zealand’s international outlook, I would consider foreign policy alongside three domestic questions.

• Employment: Which party’s economic and trade policies fit your industry? Export-oriented sectors, technology, defence suppliers, public services and climate-related industries may respond differently to policy changes.
• Housing and living costs: Foreign policy alone will not tell you whether returning is financially viable. Compare housing costs, expected salary, tax, transport and access to services separately.
• Long-term stability: Consider whether you prefer stronger military partnerships, a more diplomacy-led approach, or a more explicitly neutral foreign policy—and how that preference interacts with your expectations for New Zealand’s economy.

For a current election-wide comparison, Policy.nz’s 2026 policy guide lets you explore defence, foreign affairs and other issues, while The Conversation’s 2026 policy tracker tracks campaign announcements across parties. Treat specific published commitments as stronger evidence than campaign rhetoric, and check whether a proposal is costed.

One practical consideration for overseas voters: check your eligibility and voting arrangements through Vote NZ, including the rules that apply to New Zealanders living abroad.

To take this further, you could compare the parties on jobs and housing or compare the parties’ defence policies in more depth.