New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters, on December 11, 2023, stated that he would bring the country closer to conjunctural partners like the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia. This can be said to be part of the new center-right government’s renewed goals regarding security. Including New Zealand, these four countries are part of an alliance known as the Five Eyes, and they have been sharing intelligence since World War II.[1]
Peters, a former Foreign Minister and leader of the populist New Zealand First Party, is a coalition partner in the government led by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon of the National Party, who took oath in December 2023. In his first major policy speech since returning to office, he has promised closer cooperation with security partners.[2]
In his speech on Monday, December 11, 2023, in Wellington, Peters said, ‘We aim to revitalize our defense and security cooperation with our US and Five Eyes partners, as well as other significant security partners in the region and beyond.’ New Zealand has been seen as a moderate voice in the Five Eyes alliance on China. The country’s stance on China hardened under the previous Labour Party Government following a security agreement signed between China and the Solomon Islands in 2022.[3]
New Zealand’s struggle with military equipment and personnel shortages is also significant. Three of the country’s nine naval vessels are idle due to personnel shortages. Peters has made the following statements regarding this issue:[4]
‘We know we are focused on providing the resources necessary to strengthen sovereign capabilities that will allow us to operate more effectively in a positive geostrategic environment, and we are prioritizing securing the necessary resources to strengthen these capabilities.’
Peters also mentioned the government’s plans to improve relations with Asian countries, highlighting a desire to build stronger ties with India.
The statements of New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters reflect the country’s intent to focus on security issues and, especially, to work more closely with its Five Eyes alliance partners. This step can be seen as understandable given regional security concerns and increasing geostrategic uncertainty.
Peters’ adoption of a clearer stance against China can be seen as a response to the previous government’s ambiguity in relations with China and security concerns. Especially China’s growing influence in the South Pacific could lead New Zealand to review its regional security strategy and engage in tighter cooperation with security partners.
Peters is committed to increasing New Zealand’s military capacity and strengthening its equipment. This reflects the aim to address the country’s defense deficiencies and indicates an effort to be more prepared against military infrastructure challenges and regional security threats.
Peters’ goal of improving relations with Asian countries shows New Zealand’s efforts to expand its foreign policy not only towards the West but also towards East and Southeast Asia. This could provide opportunities for increased economic cooperation, cultural exchange, and engagement in security matters.
The changes in New Zealand’s security strategy and foreign policy arena indicate a reevaluation of the country’s role and engagement on the international stage. Wellington might aim to effectively address global issues by establishing strong relationships with both the West and the East.
In conclusion, these changes in New Zealand’s security and foreign policy are significant factors that will shape its geostrategic position and approach to regional dynamics.
[1] “New Zealand Foreign Minister Seeks Closer Ties with Five Eyes Powers”, Reuters, https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/new-zealand-foreign-minister-seeks-closer-ties-with-five-eyes-powers-2023-12-11/, (Erişim Tarihi: 11.12.2023).
[2] The Same Place.
[3] The Same Place.
[4] The Same Place.
