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

Collected 2 November 2026

[NZ Election 2026 · Edition 8 study](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/8)

## ChatGPT

Answer ID: 7f00f746-fae8-4069-91aa-727eafa6a0fd

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

New Zealand's 2026 general election is scheduled for 7 November 2026. The major parties have different approaches to how New Zealand should position itself in an increasingly contested international environment.

The central debate is about four questions:

1. Foreign relationships: How closely should New Zealand align with Australia, the United States, China, the United Kingdom and other international partners?
2. Defence: Should New Zealand increase military spending and deepen defence partnerships, or prioritise independence, neutrality and peacekeeping?
3. Trade: How should New Zealand protect and expand its access to international markets, particularly China, the United States and Asia?
4. Regional security: What role should New Zealand play in the Pacific, and how should it respond to growing strategic competition between China and Western powers?

The comparison below focuses on the seven parties covered by the main 2026 election policy trackers: National, Labour, ACT, New Zealand First, the Green Party, Te Pāti Māori and The Opportunities Party (TOP). It distinguishes published campaign commitments from broader party principles and existing government policy.

## 1. Party-by-party comparison

### National Party

![New Zealand's prime minister to visit Australia on Wednesday | Reuters](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/GKyeZt6ih_fKN46J2Zii4x4qxm45UplictORspJS-7twXLjAPZGPlTceQQN-zHJQ2JTueR3E8TR5gWrhgDMyX8sJUi3PAL86aEsl_mOA1PfPIk89YcOpr3XU7NtIZBAGtp_nC1CpUgjUXYKoWaCl1VQguh8h-SU02XtNJlvGsr0?purpose=inline)

National — Christopher Luxon

International partnerships and export growth

Centre-right · Governing party

- Foreign relationships: Emphasises established relationships with Australia and traditional international partners. Supports stronger Pacific security partnerships.
- Defence: Supports closer defence and security cooperation with Australia and Pacific partners. In July 2026, the Government announced it would explore joining the Australia–Fiji Ocean of Peace Alliance.
- Trade: Strong emphasis on export growth, new free-trade agreements and market diversification. Its target is to double the value of exports by 2034.
- Regional security: Supports greater Pacific security cooperation, including exploring participation in the Ocean of Peace Alliance.

Its trade programme includes at least 23 trade missions over the next parliamentary term and negotiations with seven new economies over five years. [NZ to explore joining Fiji-Australia defence alliance](https://www.national.org.nz/news/20260709-rthonchristopherluxon)[New Zealand's Next Billion Customers](https://www.national.org.nz/policies/new-trade)

Key distinction: National's approach combines traditional security relationships with an active effort to expand commercial relationships internationally.

### Labour Party

![New Zealand's Labour Leader Chris Hipkins Casts Vote](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/yk-tocyG1VW4uffOYo5rDglVtdaOCWExXW0dvzBLRdBmydhHjiCPmlj48z5z_ZjDnDf3jP2auxSowu4UYsNcSrG7RvGzZahE4IvKEUYl-NFBZjVXpXm7h7DhQM8HDIEKgbwKV7JkKF8EKSTyoT7oNvJ5e5kOP30-VeIxi5fVO0rkH6b-Llolco6-F0FpAqFi?purpose=inline)

Labour — Chris Hipkins

International law and diplomatic engagement

Centre-left · Main opposition party

- Foreign relationships: Wants to deepen relationships with the European Union, Canada, ASEAN and Pacific nations. Places particular emphasis on international law and multilateral institutions.
- Defence: Proposes greater parliamentary scrutiny if New Zealand joins armed conflicts. Supports international efforts to prohibit lethal fully autonomous weapons.
- Trade: Wants to develop new market opportunities in Africa and South America and strengthen economic integration with Pacific countries.
- Regional security: Emphasises diplomacy, international institutions, human rights and development assistance. Proposes progressively increasing overseas development assistance towards 0.7% of gross national income, subject to fiscal conditions.

Labour has also announced that it would:

- Recognise the State of Palestine.
- Introduce economic sanctions on Israel.
- Require the NZ Super Fund and ACC to divest from holdings on the UN list of companies operating in occupied territories.
- Support South Africa's case at the International Court of Justice concerning the Genocide Convention. [Foreign Affairs](https://www.labour.org.nz/foreign-affairs)

Key distinction: Labour places particular emphasis on international law, diplomatic accountability and strengthening relationships beyond New Zealand's traditional Western partners.

### ACT Party

![South Island Election Conference 2026](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/GcOzrFkDRkAT5J-3PLntC_t3eT3wuPG52vNnpFJ5xZAm4GrcYnInkkPCmGvxX-xsLbKhD0YWJuWw0gMUfC5fTGhQn818DeGkix5pKa7WUbVIsnjuibMwywV1KW_WLaNJZs2MuIPK7QyoR7pxqUmRZFimxeuxpwyXEYctXwiIwE8?purpose=inline)

ACT — David Seymour

National sovereignty and individual freedom

Classical liberal / libertarian · Coalition partner

- Foreign relationships: ACT's published 2026 policy catalogue does not provide a comparably detailed foreign-affairs programme.
- Defence: ACT participates in the current National-led Government's defence direction, but it is important not to attribute every coalition defence decision specifically to ACT.
- Trade: Its wider economic approach emphasises private enterprise, competition and reducing regulatory barriers. A distinct, detailed 2026 trade and foreign-policy programme was not established in the material reviewed.
- Regional security: No sufficiently detailed, separately published 2026 regional-security programme was identified.

ACT's position should therefore be distinguished from National's: coalition participation does not automatically mean the two parties have identical foreign-policy commitments. [ACT New Zealand](https://www.act.org.nz/policies)[Foreign affairs and sovereignty: party comparison 2026](https://partymap.co.nz/compare/foreign-affairs/)

### New Zealand First

![New Zealand legislative election winner? Predictions & Od... 2026 | Polymarket](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/UmXClDd76aKEk_XyXfEEacFBHXO18HFMG1Im-weRm7tb64uGzBsRK3vWPXuiFN2zaWaNznb7eSDIJucKOhlXtwb6Lq-BYR6oxisKzHsWTxF5AsiLmtcNGDNtwCsXzgIuSp2vW4pa6pAda-tTriG23zKX1ZuknQ81HGh411pqRkM?purpose=inline)

New Zealand First — Winston Peters

Defence capability and national sovereignty

Nationalist / conservative · Coalition partner

- Foreign relationships: Emphasises national sovereignty and the need to assess international agreements against New Zealand's national interests.
- Defence: Its Defending the Realm programme proposes a six-year Defence Force rebuilding programme, with a target of defence spending reaching 3% of GDP by 2032.
- Trade: Emphasises protecting New Zealand's national interests and economic independence. Its detailed trade position should be distinguished from National's more extensive export programme.
- Regional security: Supports rebuilding military capability and maintaining New Zealand's ability to defend its interests.

Its approach to international agreements includes a national-interest test where agreements could constrain domestic decision-making. [Foreign affairs and sovereignty: party comparison 2026](https://partymap.co.nz/compare/foreign-affairs/)[Know Your Vote](https://knowyourvote.nz/)

Key distinction: NZ First places greater emphasis on military capability, national sovereignty and the ability to make independent decisions.

### Green Party

![ニュージーランド若手政治家が「ハイハイ、おっさんおばさんは静かにしてて」の議会発言で炎上中！ | クーリエ・ジャポン](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/-oc4PRDsK1NtW2OZ1CaDYGNCuGwbaLfuoNDsIG2XGzeeXRYMvvCEHZvh2SQZy8Jck7PFhWgDGY8ATlr_OLJcJen1EG97Uj2qGsuztpOIM3sCh_GmbxCdy3r8yW3L86qNUjkCTCt7LopI7v-b9O_i1Gsu_YvhAgj5S9cBL47xCOo?purpose=inline)

Green Party — Chlöe Swarbrick and Marama Davidson

Independent foreign policy and peace

Progressive / environmentalist · Opposition

- Foreign relationships: Advocates an independent foreign policy based on peace, democracy, human rights, self-determination and climate cooperation.
- Defence: Its foreign-policy approach places greater emphasis on conflict prevention, peacekeeping, humanitarian work and environmental monitoring than military alignment.
- Trade: Wants trade and foreign investment to incorporate sustainability, human rights, workers' rights and environmental protections.
- Regional security: Emphasises Pacific partnership, climate security and regional cooperation.

Its published policy direction also includes:

- Opposing New Zealand joining AUKUS.
- Leaving the Five Eyes intelligence network.
- Recognising Palestine and imposing sanctions on Israel.
- Establishing a centre for training international peacekeepers.
- Subjecting trade agreements to democratic scrutiny and enforceable social and environmental commitments. [Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand](https://undecided.nz/parties/green/)[Complete Party Policy](https://www.greens.org.nz/policy)[Manifesto 2026](https://www.greens.org.nz/manifesto_2026)

Key distinction: The Greens question the extent of New Zealand's military and intelligence alignment with the United States and put greater weight on peacebuilding and international accountability.

### Te Pāti Māori

![New Zealand Legislative Election Winner 2026 Odds | Polymarket](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/HHEWLfcjRbgNTl3J7ZI3ahpGFiM337cSMZSj-gfqthhb3O1OJ8vhDGH4x2nBOUQoPRFHldf4E0rUprxmRG4JddGiw5atorslzfs34M-9xbTy2yNYWAjL5wP10lk3C-YjZAm-m43DF6her5QZGf5OtQEw7NLpqO4hrIjzpsWiQm8?purpose=inline)

Te Pāti Māori

Military neutrality and Pacific independence

Māori-centred · Opposition

- Foreign relationships: Wants an independent foreign policy grounded in Māori values, mana motuhake, Pacific relationships and Indigenous solidarity.
- Defence: Proposes formally declaring New Zealand militarily neutral.
- Trade: Emphasises sovereignty and relationships with Pacific and Indigenous communities. A detailed international trade programme was not established in the material reviewed.
- Regional security: Wants the Defence Force focused on national protection, disaster response and Pacific support rather than participation in overseas military conflicts.

Its June 2026 military-neutrality policy proposes:

- Withdrawing from military alignments that undermine sovereignty.
- Avoiding participation in foreign wars unless New Zealand is directly threatened.
- Supporting international human rights.
- Holding war criminals accountable.
- Positioning New Zealand as an independent voice for peace. [Military neutrality](https://www.maoriparty.org.nz/military_neutrality)[Military neutrality](https://www.maoriparty.org.nz/military_neutrality)

Key distinction: Te Pāti Māori proposes a formal change to New Zealand's military posture, rather than simply adjusting existing defence relationships.

### The Opportunities Party (TOP)

![](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/KZ1zP60v_ZeHHj3ij4DA2sVh6oX86DHN4x_RGhm63IEKbj8P_3phlgxON0_dzBqruxZt_piBvLSwWYOzxGtRjeiBIDJnBczyBauAihY7VhbFruy9Xq4tPeGbXtvfFHap7T9ZV_eOqtHyttigv_yv7jT6ibug6IoPJMJnJ8SLOeE?purpose=inline)

TOP — Qiulae 'Q' Wong

Evidence-based economic reform

Centrist / reform-oriented · Not currently represented in Parliament

- Foreign relationships: No sufficiently detailed 2026 foreign-policy position was identified.
- Defence: No clearly documented, detailed defence spending or military-alignment proposal was identified.
- Trade: TOP's main published economic emphasis is structural economic reform, including its proposed land-value tax and tax-system changes. A comprehensive foreign-trade programme was not established.
- Regional security: No detailed 2026 regional-security programme was identified.

This is an important distinction: a lack of published detail should not be interpreted as opposition to existing defence or trade arrangements. [Foreign affairs and sovereignty: party comparison 2026](https://partymap.co.nz/compare/foreign-affairs/)[The main parties vying to form New Zealand's next government](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/main-parties-vying-form-new-zealands-next-government-2026-10-12/)

## 2. Comparison across the four issues

The following table summarises the main differences rather than attempting to rank the parties.

| Party | Foreign relationships | Defence | Trade | Pacific security |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| National | Traditional partners and international engagement | Stronger defence partnerships | Export expansion and FTAs | Regional defence cooperation |
| Labour | EU, Canada, ASEAN and Pacific | Parliamentary scrutiny and arms regulation | Diversification and Pacific integration | Diplomacy and development |
| ACT | National sovereignty; limited specific detail | Coalition defence direction | Business and market-led approach | Limited specific detail |
| NZ First | Sovereignty and national interest | Major capability expansion | National-interest emphasis | Stronger defence capability |
| Greens | Independent, multilateral and human-rights focused | Peacekeeping and reduced military alignment | Social and environmental conditions | Climate and Pacific partnership |
| Te Pāti Māori | Independent, Māori and Pacific-centred | Formal military neutrality | Limited specific detail | Disaster response and Pacific protection |
| TOP | Limited specific detail | Limited specific detail | Economic and structural reform | Limited specific detail |

Sources: official party material and 2026 election policy trackers. [Policies for Party vote - NZ Election 2026](https://policy.nz/2026/party-vote/policies/defence-and-foreign-affairs)[Know Your Vote](https://knowyourvote.nz/)[Foreign Affairs](https://www.labour.org.nz/foreign-affairs)[Manifesto 2026](https://www.greens.org.nz/manifesto_2026)[Military neutrality](https://www.maoriparty.org.nz/military_neutrality)[Foreign affairs and sovereignty: party comparison 2026](https://partymap.co.nz/compare/foreign-affairs/)

## 3. The biggest strategic differences

There are several particularly important dividing lines between the parties.

### A. Relationship with the United States and China

New Zealand faces a difficult strategic balancing act: China is a major trading partner, while the United States and Australia are important security partners.

| Party | Broad approach |
| --- | --- |
| National | Maintains traditional Western security relationships while pursuing international trade opportunities. |
| Labour | Supports international partnerships but emphasises diplomacy, international law and broader relationships with Europe and ASEAN. |
| ACT | Supports the current coalition's general direction; its distinct 2026 foreign-policy commitments are less developed. |
| NZ First | Emphasises sovereignty and national interests when dealing with international powers. |
| Greens | Wants greater independence from US military and intelligence arrangements. |
| Te Pāti Māori | Wants neutrality and freedom from military alignments dictated by major powers. |
| TOP | Insufficient published detail for a firm comparison. |

One particularly important distinction is the Greens' opposition to AUKUS and Five Eyes membership, compared with the more established Western security orientation of the current National-led Government. [Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand](https://undecided.nz/parties/green/)[NZ to explore joining Fiji-Australia defence alliance](https://www.national.org.nz/news/20260709-rthonchristopherluxon)[Foreign affairs and sovereignty: party comparison 2026](https://partymap.co.nz/compare/foreign-affairs/)

### B. Defence spending and military alliances

![HMNZS Te Mana  - New Zealand Defence Force](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/pD1ERPVxzuvsSyQO9EwmnjOFiLbZLZY483uU9h031IANX6P2_agNjsyIYWmeAkuo_dy0OYNw6KmAYUvT9_NcPRPsWh-AXK89soz7vDKOrK2Wmv_2ApG7ml5cZNanCuhU1D_60Aury8Xp9YXDdX7TIzX321n5he4fd24j-HndKlQ?purpose=inline)

![NZDF delivers aid to remote Fiji communities | RNZ News](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/ovHoNDiunhiiwLn_1ZYbn2WljPGN1O1oegLUdN82C2uSgTkdw2h-k-zZICcv5kpfPun--VAZycs1e7iXHRCQypXdjnio1pD0E_e4o67v2hgReXiWZgnW08fKZi8uV4Sttlp8xTDZVL3HmKpExPLJE4UzgX1sclf-4TFjYGMeQmo?purpose=inline)

![NZDF helps rescue overdue fisherman drifting in Pacific](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/y_Ad_L6I1urX25X8bPxgZGQ4N2uysBoYN1ZQtDDJfVCre4oDHaZVZuFyUK6JltRP2tveXY_6LpemIjQ8GnDUFVkyt2Y6ak0LpRYvW7BJ5wuC20VSxJJ9G-hPHP81apFtD9ayVyF974JiR0QWZOljgj5hZx9aR5kDeEQyqL5G-BU?purpose=inline)

8

The parties have substantially different ideas about the purpose and scale of New Zealand's military.

- NZ First: Proposes defence expenditure reaching 3% of GDP by 2032, with a six-year military restructuring programme.
- National: Supports stronger defence cooperation with Australia and Pacific partners, including exploring the Ocean of Peace Alliance.
- ACT: Participates in the current coalition's defence direction, without an equally detailed standalone programme in the material reviewed.
- Labour: Emphasises oversight of military commitments, international arms regulation and parliamentary scrutiny of decisions to enter armed conflicts.
- Greens: Prioritises peacekeeping, conflict prevention and reducing military dependence on the United States.
- Te Pāti Māori: Proposes military neutrality and refocusing the Defence Force on territorial protection, disaster relief and Pacific assistance.
- TOP: No detailed defence expenditure or force-structure commitment identified.

The underlying question is whether New Zealand should become more integrated into Western and regional defence arrangements or pursue a more independent, neutral security policy. [Know Your Vote](https://knowyourvote.nz/)[NZ to explore joining Fiji-Australia defence alliance](https://www.national.org.nz/news/20260709-rthonchristopherluxon)[Manifesto 2026](https://www.greens.org.nz/manifesto_2026)[Military neutrality](https://www.maoriparty.org.nz/military_neutrality)

### C. Trade and economic relationships

![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)

![First shipment of record Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit crop sets sail for Japan and Korea - NZ Herald](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/pajX0Q3t0n3oKrX90D1xcuH_DQIFgJG0pP1oQ2L8df23UT6dXhGQXrE93_pdc-zUm9Km7Kioi6pTQSaiV3O96M1j5dg-bGKs1GlsN3tjejk4wut2DxNpYEslCGHz_A012AHgNgNSRLAVYBUNbz1ini9Q6L50tsMxi0U0y9CjWEo?purpose=inline)

![Zespri Difference](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/PSPP4yq1wGNrEUdRpJVDL8XA7ypZz3FjZ6PM7eEb910HBFcv3yezohxjd-7Q3UqdLHOWGcg436LrcK3gFsmJwGd2zeExS1tNO2yrb9PoSU7aGiQ6T1kjT9k4Gktu5KJf9WQIXE-BSQmK3meEf5z8McTOrjrRZMDBiQ6oALYvP3U?purpose=inline)

8

Trade is an area where the parties' approaches are not necessarily as different as their defence policies.

- National: Has a clearly articulated export-growth programme, including doubling exports by 2034, additional trade missions and new trade negotiations.
- Labour: Emphasises diversification towards Europe, Canada, ASEAN, Africa and South America, alongside closer Pacific economic integration.
- Greens: Wants trade agreements to incorporate environmental protections, workers' rights, human rights and democratic scrutiny.
- NZ First: Emphasises national sovereignty and the domestic economic interest when negotiating international arrangements.
- ACT: Its economic philosophy favours private enterprise and reducing barriers, although a detailed standalone trade programme was not identified.
- Te Pāti Māori: Emphasises Pacific and Indigenous relationships, but has less detailed published conventional trade policy.
- TOP: Focuses primarily on domestic structural economic reform in its published programme.

An important distinction is that National focuses explicitly on the volume of exports, whereas Labour places additional emphasis on diversifying international relationships and the Greens place more conditions on how trade agreements are negotiated. [New Zealand's Next Billion Customers](https://www.national.org.nz/policies/new-trade)[Foreign Affairs](https://www.labour.org.nz/foreign-affairs)[Complete Party Policy](https://www.greens.org.nz/policy)[Foreign affairs and sovereignty: party comparison 2026](https://partymap.co.nz/compare/foreign-affairs/)

### D. Pacific regional security

![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)

![NZDF delivers aid to remote Fiji communities | RNZ News](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/ovHoNDiunhiiwLn_1ZYbn2WljPGN1O1oegLUdN82C2uSgTkdw2h-k-zZICcv5kpfPun--VAZycs1e7iXHRCQypXdjnio1pD0E_e4o67v2hgReXiWZgnW08fKZi8uV4Sttlp8xTDZVL3HmKpExPLJE4UzgX1sclf-4TFjYGMeQmo?purpose=inline)

![Great power competition and climate security in the Pacific | Chatham House – International Affairs Think Tank](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/hmoYVgrdhCYgxNe57cEafyd3H9c7eeCVqlk4YAmdT6APC0qIa-I2bv_0uUbd2K3PU_5zlCQMDdtVEY82moNSE9ujn1UlYHzSRJ_E9fE6BgvxvMJl8i02kkFZgKrB-AklY6JFAaTzK3D9Ioy1GEOUsdnjvYzpkoqgvf83F5H-i5g?purpose=inline)

8

This is particularly important for New Zealand because instability in the Pacific can affect maritime security, diplomatic relationships, trade, migration and disaster response.

The main approaches are:

- National: Greater security cooperation with Australia, Fiji and other Pacific nations. Its exploration of the Ocean of Peace Alliance is a concrete example.
- Labour: Greater regional economic integration, development assistance, diplomacy and cooperation through Pacific institutions.
- NZ First: Strengthening New Zealand's military capability to protect national and regional interests.
- Greens: Prioritising climate security, Pacific partnership, humanitarian assistance and peaceful conflict resolution.
- Te Pāti Māori: Placing Pacific sovereignty, Indigenous relationships, disaster response and military neutrality at the centre of regional policy.
- ACT and TOP: Less detailed independently published Pacific security programmes.

A significant question is how Pacific countries themselves should shape regional security arrangements, rather than having those arrangements determined primarily by larger powers. [NZ to explore joining Fiji-Australia defence alliance](https://www.national.org.nz/news/20260709-rthonchristopherluxon)[Foreign Affairs](https://www.labour.org.nz/foreign-affairs)[Manifesto 2026](https://www.greens.org.nz/manifesto_2026)[Military neutrality](https://www.maoriparty.org.nz/military_neutrality)

## 4. The key questions voters may want to examine

These questions capture the underlying policy choices more clearly than party labels.

| Strategic question | Competing approaches |
| --- | --- |
| Should NZ deepen US security ties? | Existing security partnerships versus greater independence from US military arrangements. |
| Should NZ join AUKUS? | Closer integration with Western security structures versus opposition to joining. |
| Should defence spending increase substantially? | NZ First's 3% GDP target versus other parties' different or less explicit commitments. |
| Should NZ remain militarily non-aligned? | Existing defence partnerships versus formal neutrality proposed by Te Pāti Māori. |
| How should NZ manage China? | Maintaining commercial relationships while balancing strategic and security considerations. |
| What should NZ prioritise in the Pacific? | Defence partnerships, economic integration, climate resilience, sovereignty or a combination. |
| Should trade agreements have additional conditions? | Commercial market access versus enforceable environmental, labour and human-rights requirements. |

## 5. Sources for checking the policies

For a closer examination, these are useful starting points, particularly because party policies can change during the election campaign.

1. [Policy.nz – 2026 Defence and Foreign Affairs comparison](https://policy.nz/2026/party-vote/policies/defence-and-foreign-affairs?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
2. [National – 2026 election policies](https://www.national.org.nz/policies?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
3. [National – New Zealand's Next Billion Customers](https://www.national.org.nz/policies/new-trade?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
4. [Labour – Foreign Affairs policy](https://www.labour.org.nz/foreign-affairs?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
5. [Green Party – 2026 manifesto](https://www.greens.org.nz/manifesto_2026?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
6. [ACT – Party policies](https://www.act.org.nz/policies?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
7. [Te Pāti Māori – Military neutrality policy](https://www.maoriparty.org.nz/military_neutrality?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
8. [Know Your Vote – 2026 election policy tracker](https://knowyourvote.nz/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

One important qualification: Not every party has released equally detailed foreign-policy commitments. In particular, ACT and TOP have less independently documented material on these four subjects in the sources reviewed. Coalition government decisions should also not automatically be treated as individual party policies.

## Overall perspective

The 2026 election presents three broad strategic approaches to New Zealand's international position:

1. Closer security partnerships and stronger defence capability: Most clearly represented by National's regional defence cooperation and NZ First's proposed military expansion, with ACT participating in the coalition's direction.
2. International diplomacy and diversified relationships: Particularly evident in Labour's emphasis on international law, Europe, ASEAN and the Pacific.
3. Greater strategic independence and neutrality: Most clearly represented by the Greens and Te Pāti Māori, although their approaches differ in their emphasis on international institutions, peacekeeping and Māori sovereignty.

These are broad descriptions, not rigid groupings: the parties also have differences within each approach.

For voters, perhaps the most consequential question is:

What role should New Zealand play in the Indo-Pacific over the next decade: a more integrated Western security partner, an independent diplomatic and trading nation, or a formally neutral Pacific nation?

That question connects foreign policy, defence spending, trade relationships and New Zealand's long-term security.

## Gemini

Answer ID: d76489c5-e19f-47fa-9df3-855dd33ec4ab

For the **2026 New Zealand general election**, political parties hold contrasting views across foreign relationships, defence, trade, and regional security. These positions generally reflect a spectrum from maintaining traditional Western alliances and economic pragmatism to pursuing a more independent, peace-aligned, or domestically focused foreign policy.

---

### Main Parliamentary Parties

#### **1. National Party (Centre-Right / Government Coalition Leader)**
* **Foreign Relationships & Regional Security:** Prioritizes strengthening traditional diplomatic security partnerships with Western allies, traditional partners (like Australia, the US, and the UK), and key Indo-Pacific nations. Focuses heavily on managing strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific and counteracting rising geopolitical tensions through collective deterrence and strong democratic networks.
* **Defence:** Emphasizes modernising and better resourcing the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) to handle escalating regional security demands, maritime surveillance, and strategic readiness.
* **Trade:** Highly focused on export-led economic growth, expanding global trade ties, opening new high-value markets, and leveraging free trade agreements (FTAs) across Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

#### **2. Labour Party (Centre-Left / Parliamentary Opposition)**
* **Foreign Relationships & Regional Security:** Champions an independent, values-driven foreign policy grounded in multilateralism, international law, and climate cooperation. Focuses diplomatic efforts and aid heavily toward the Pacific Islands region, viewing climate change as the single greatest security threat to the Pacific.
* **Defence:** Supports maintaining a capable, multi-role military focused on domestic protection, humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and Pacific security partnerships, while remaining cautious about entangling alliances that compromise strategic autonomy.
* **Trade:** Supports maintaining existing trade architectures while pushing for sustainable, high-standard trade agreements that incorporate robust environmental and labor protections.

#### **3. Green Party (Left / Parliamentary Opposition)**
* **Foreign Relationships & Regional Security:** Advocates for a deeply independent, peace-oriented foreign policy. Emphasises human rights, self-determination, adherence to international law, and urgent international climate action. Frequently pushes for stronger stances on human rights issues globally (such as calling for the official recognition of the state of Palestine).
* **Defence:** Historically supports a neutral, independent stance on security, opposing participation in aggressive military coalitions or blocs like AUKUS Pillar II, and redirecting resources toward climate mitigation and humanitarian support.
* **Trade:** Critiques pure free-trade models that do not account for environmental costs; prioritizes fair-trade principles and localized, sustainable economic resilience.

#### **4. ACT New Zealand (Right / Government Coalition Partner)**
* **Foreign Relationships & Regional Security:** Aligns closely with Western democratic alliances and promotes deep economic and security cooperation with traditional liberal-democratic partners. Emphasizes countering authoritarian expansion and protecting open sea-lanes in the Indo-Pacific.
* **Defence:** Strongly supports increasing defence spending to meet modern geostrategic challenges, endorsing closer interoperability with allies (such as exploring options within AUKUS).
* **Trade:** Unabashedly pro-free market, advocating for the aggressive reduction of trade barriers, the removal of red tape on exporters, and bilateral trade expansion.

#### **5. New Zealand First (Populist / Government Coalition Partner)**
* **Foreign Relationships & Regional Security:** Promotes an independent "New Zealand First" foreign policy doctrine. Emphasises a **national interest test** for international agreements, arguing that domestic sovereignty and law must supersede directives or frameworks from international bodies (such as UN agencies) if they constrain national decision-making. Strong focus on stability and diplomatic engagement within the South Pacific neighborhood.
* **Defence:** Advocates for a robust, self-reliant national defence force capable of guarding New Zealand's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and sovereign interests.
* **Trade:** Pragmatic approach to trade, prioritizing national economic sovereignty and looking closely at how international treaties impact local industries and domestic law.

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### Other Notable Perspectives (Minor & Registering Parties)
* **Te Pāti Māori:** Focuses heavily on indigenous internationalism, building solidarity networks with other First Nations globally, prioritizing climate justice for indigenous and Pacific peoples, and shifting foreign aid toward localized self-determination.
* **Minor/Out-of-Parliament Parties (e.g., Vision NZ, NZ Loyal):** Some fringe parties campaign on more isolationist platforms, proposing withdrawals or major reviews of New Zealand’s participation in global bodies (such as the United Nations or the Paris Agreement) in favor of strict bilateral arrangements.

## Google AI Mode

Answer ID: 283a3c52-4cdd-4a50-9adc-ec0e145fe553

For the 2026 New Zealand general election, political parties outlined distinct visions regarding foreign policy, defence capability, trade expansion, and regional security in the Asia-Pacific and Pacific Islands.

According to party platforms and public statements, the major political parties approach these interconnected portfolios through varying lenses of multilateralism, independent positioning, regional aid, and military preparedness.

* * *

**New Labour Party**

 * **Foreign Relationships & Regional Security:** Labour emphasizes independent international law, strengthening multilateral institutions (such as supporting a review to modernize the UN Charter), and deepening diplomatic and economic ties with the European Union, Canada, and ASEAN. On Middle East policy, Labour advocates recognizing the State of Palestine, implementing economic sanctions against Israel regarding occupied territories, and intervening in support of South Africa’s case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

 * **Defence & Disarmament:** Labour focuses heavily on peace advocacy, including pushing for an ICJ advisory opinion on lethal fully autonomous weapons and seeking a formal international ban. They also propose establishing strict parliamentary scrutiny mechanisms prior to committing New Zealand personnel to armed conflicts abroad, alongside tighter legal oversight on domestic space and rocket payload launches.

 * **Trade:** Labour targets market diversification, aiming to expand trade opportunities deeper into South America and Africa alongside traditional Western partners.

**Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand**

 * **Foreign Relationships & Regional Security:** The Greens champion an independent, Tiriti-informed foreign policy. They strongly oppose any involvement or integration with the AUKUS security pact, arguing that New Zealand must reject alignment with high-tension great power military blocs. Like Labour, they advocate immediate recognition of Palestinian statehood, economic sanctions on Israel, and a complete review of intelligence-sharing arrangements.

 * **Defence:** The party aligns its security framework around conflict prevention, peaceful resolution, and climate-focused disaster resilience rather than traditional combat readiness or alliance militarization.

 * **Trade & Investment:** The Greens advocate for sustainable, climate-conscious trade and foreign investment agreements that prioritize ecological and human rights standards over pure export volume.

**New Zealand First**

 * **Foreign Relationships & Regional Security:** NZ First promotes a traditional, highly pragmatic nationalist foreign policy focused firmly on national sovereignty and strategic self-reliance. The party has pushed to withdraw from or renegotiate broad global climate and governance frameworks (such as the Paris Accord) if they conflict with domestic economic interests.

 * **Defence:** Rejecting what it terms a slow "ten-year reconstruction timeline" as a formula for military obsolescence, NZ First advocates an accelerated, six-year maximum timeframe across two parliamentary terms to fully rebuild the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) into a combat-ready, deterrence-capable force.

 * **Trade:** NZ First emphasizes boosting national productivity and export-driven manufacturing, targeting aggressive long-term goals to double the domestic economic baseline through targeted depreciation and export incentives.

**National Party (Incumbent Government/Leading Platform)**

 * **Foreign Relationships & Regional Security:** National’s approach prioritizes traditional Western security alignments, active engagement within the Indo-Pacific, and strengthening practical economic, diplomatic, and security cooperation with traditional democratic partners and Pacific neighbours. Focus remains on maintaining stability in the Pacific region through targeted aid, climate partnership, and maritime security presence to counter strategic competition.

 * **Defence & Trade:** National balances active participation in regional security dialogues with a pragmatic focus on economic diplomacy, prioritizing the expansion of bilateral and multilateral trade agreements across Asia and traditional Western markets to grow overall export earnings.