Foreign relations of New Zealand
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The foreign relations of New Zealand are oriented chiefly toward developed democratic nations and emerging Pacific economies. The country’s major political parties have generally agreed on the broad outlines of foreign policy, and the current coalition government has been active in promoting free trade, nuclear disarmament, and arms control.[1]
[edit] History
- See also: Independence of New Zealand
New Zealand was first settled by Polynesians at some point between 800 and 1300 AD. There was no known subsequent contact with the outside world until the visit of Dutch explorer Abel Tasman in 1642. One of Tasman's rowboats was rammed by a Māori canoe and several of his sailors were killed. Tasman and his crew left without setting foot on land, and New Zealand returned to isolation for more than a century. From the 1760s New Zealand was visited by various European explorers and traders, and later missionaries and settlers. An informal system of trade was established, especially in Northland, and some iwi (tribes) became wealthy and powerful. As Māori lacked a system of formal government, relationships with other nations were ad hoc and informal. In 1835 a group of Northland chiefs, under the guidance of British resident James Busby, signed a declaration of independence, which was recognised by William IV of the United Kingdom.
Many Māori were still worried that a European power might invade and dispossess them, and some iwi were having difficulties controlling the large numbers of Europeans who visited and settled in their areas. English missionaries were also concerned about the levels of lawlessness, which were undermining their efforts to convert Māori to Christianity. The British Colonial Office, influenced by the missionaries and by reports that the independent New Zealand Company was planning to privately colonise the islands, sent naval captain William Hobson to negotiate a treaty. The subsequent Treaty of Waitangi, signed in 1840, made New Zealand part of the British Empire, established a Governor of New Zealand, and gave Māori the rights of British subjects.
The annexation of New Zealand by Britain meant that Britain now controlled New Zealand's foreign policy. Mass immigration from Britain and Ireland began, although there was also settlement from other parts of the world. In the 1860s, the outbreak of war in the North Island necessitated the sending of British troops to New Zealand. External trade, which had formerly consisted mostly of Māori selling food, flax and timber to visiting vessels and to Australia, began to change. Large-scale Māori land loss destroyed the Māori role in international trade, and it became dominated by the sale of wool to Britain. From the 1890s the development of refrigerated shipping allowed the establishment of an export economy based on the mass export of frozen meat and dairy products to Britain. Around this time, New Zealand made its first contribution to an external war, sending troops to fight on the British side in the Second Boer War, and the country changed its status from colony to dominion.
New Zealand troops also fought in both World Wars, and although there were New Zealand divisions, in both cases they were controlled by the British. Between the wars the First Labour Government showed a limited degree of independence in foreign policy, for example opposing the appeasement of belligerent powers. However, when World War II broke out, they threw New Zealand whole-heartedly into the defence of Britain, with Prime Minister Michael Joseph Savage declaring that 'where ever Britain goes, we go; where ever Britain stands, we stand'. New Zealand soldiers remained in Europe throughout the war even when New Zealand was concerned about invasion by the Japanese. The Statute of Westminster, which made certain former colonies completely self-governing, was not ratified by New Zealand until 1947.
The Fall of Singapore during World War II made New Zealand realise that Britain could no longer be relied on to protect her colonies. An alliance with the United States of America was sought, and in 1951 the ANZUS Treaty between New Zealand, Australia and the US was signed. In return for America's guarantee of protection, New Zealand felt obliged to support America in its wars, and New Zealand forces were committed to the Korean and Vietnam Wars. By the 1970s, many New Zealanders began to feel uncomfortable with their country's support for the US, particularly in Vietnam and regarding the visits of nuclear-powered and armed American warships. The Third Labour government (1972-75) pulled New Zealand out of the Vietnam War and protested against French nuclear testing in the Pacific, at one stage sending a warship to act as disapproving witness to the tests.
New Zealand was forced into further independence by Britain's entry into the European Economic Community in the early 1970s. This restricted New Zealand's trade access to its biggest market, and new markets were sought in Asia, America and the Middle East. A free trade Closer Economic Relations agreement was signed with Australia in 1983. The election of the Fourth Labour Government in 1984 marked a new period of independent foreign policy. Nuclear powered and nuclear armed ships were banned from New Zealand waters, effectively removing New Zealand from the ANZUS pact. Immigration laws were liberalised, leading to a massive increase in immigration from Asia. The Fourth National Government (1990-99) liberalised trade by removing most tariffs and import restrictions.
In 2008, Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters announced what he called "a seismic change for New Zealand’s foreign service", designed to remedy the country's "struggling to maintain an adequate presence on the international stage". Peters said that the Ministry would receive additional funding and increase the number of New Zealand diplomats serving abroad by 50%.[2]
[edit] New Zealand and the United Nations
New Zealand was a founding member of the UN in 1945. New Zealand Prime Minister Peter Fraser felt that in order for New Zealand to be secure in the South Pacific, it need to align itself with major world powers like the USA through some kind of organization that could guarantee small powers a say in world affairs. Since the defeat of the Royal Navy during WWII it became clear that Britain was no longer able to protect New Zealand so the government decided that a policy of independent relations with a group of strong powers was the best way to defend New Zealand.
[edit] Participation in international organizations
New Zealand participates in the United Nations (UN); World Trade Organization (WTO); World Bank; International Monetary Fund (IMF); Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD); International Energy Agency; Asian Development Bank; South Pacific Forum; The Pacific Community; Colombo Plan; Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC); and the International Whaling Commission. New Zealand also is an active member of the Commonwealth. Despite the 1985 rupture in the ANZUS alliance, New Zealand has maintained good working relations with the United States and Australia on a broad array of international issues.
In the past, New Zealand’s geographic isolation and its agricultural economy’s general prosperity minimized public interest in international affairs. However, growing global trade and other international economic events have made New Zealanders increasingly aware of their country’s dependence on unstable overseas markets. New Zealand is a strong advocate of free trade, especially in agricultural products, and is a member of the Cairns group of nations in the WTO.
New Zealand’s economic involvement with Asia is increasingly important. New Zealand is a “dialogue partner” with the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), a member of the East Asia Summit and an active participant in APEC.
As a charter member of the Colombo Plan, New Zealand has provided Asian countries with technical assistance and capital. It also contributes through the Asian Development Bank and through UN programs and is a member of the UN Economic and Social Council for Asia and the Pacific.
[edit] Summary of international organization participation
ABEDA, ANZUS (U.S. suspended security obligations to NZ on 11 August 1986), APEC, ARF (dialogue partner), AsDB, ASEAN (dialogue partner), Australia Group, Commonwealth, CP, EBRD, ESCAP, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, NAM (guest), NSG, OECD, OPCW, PCA, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNAMSIL, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIK, UNMISET, UNMOP, UNTSO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO[3]
[edit] Overseas territories
New Zealand administers Tokelau (formerly known as the Tokelau Islands) as a non self-governing colonial territory. In February 2006 a UN-sponsored referedum was held in Tokelau on whether to become a self-governing state, but this failed to achieve the two-thirds majority required to pass. New Zealand also retains some responsibilities for former colonies Niue and the Cook Islands. Citizens of all three countries hold New Zealand citizenship and its associated rights to healthcare and education in New Zealand. Samoa was a New Zealand protectorate from 1918 to independence in 1962.
New Zealand also claims a part of Antarctica known as the Ross Dependency.
[edit] Trade
New Zealand has existing free trade agreements with Australia, Brunei, Chile, the People's Republic of China, Singapore, and Thailand; new free trade agreements are under negotiation with ASEAN, Hong Kong, and Malaysia.[4] New Zealand is involved in the WTO's Doha Development Agenda and was disappointed by the failure of the most recent talks in July 2006.
New Zealand's main export is food, primarily dairy products, meat, fruit and fish; about 95% of the country's agricultural produce is exported.[5] Other major exports are wood, and mechanical and electrical equipment. About 46% of exports are non-agricultural,[5] but the largest industry is still the food industry. Tourism is also an extremely important component of international trade: transport and travel form around 20% of the country's export trade.[6] New Zealand does not have large quantities of mineral resources, though it does produce some coal, oil, and natural gas.[6]
New Zealand's largest source of imports is Australia, followed by (in order) the United States, Japan, China, and Germany. The largest destinations for exports are, in order, Australia, the USA, Japan, China, and the UK. 71% of New Zealand's exports are to APEC countries. Trade figures for 2005 with New Zealand's biggest trade partners are as follows:[7]
| Country | Imports | Exports | Country | Imports | Exports |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 7,682 | 6,589 | Malaysia | 945 | 468 |
| China | 4,033 | 1,566 | Singapore | 1,240 | 428 |
| Germany | 1,804 | 789 | Taiwan | 880 | 773 |
| Indonesia | 586 | 465 | Thailand | 951 | 338 |
| Italy | 874 | 446 | UK | 1,192 | 1,432 |
| Japan | 4,082 | 3,260 | USA | 4,064 | 4,373 |
| South Korea | 1,024 | 1,081 | Total (world) | 22,837 | 30,817 |
[edit] Military
The New Zealand Defence Force is small and somewhat under-funded compared to many other countries.[citation needed] Its overseas duties consist mostly of peacekeeping, especially in the Pacific. In the 21st century, peacekeeping detachments have been deployed to East Timor, the Solomon Islands, and Tonga. Engineering and support forces have also been involved in the Iraq War, although New Zealand is not a member of the 'coalition of the willing'. New Zealand's heaviest military involvement in recent decades has been in Afghanistan following the United States-led invasion of that country after the September 11 attacks. The deployment has included SAS troops.
[edit] Foreign aid
New Zealand's official aid programme is managed by the New Zealand Agency for International Development (NZAID), a semi-autonomous body within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. In 2007 New Zealand was the sixth lowest foreign aid donor in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), based on proportion of gross national income (GNP) spent on overseas development assistance. New Zealand's contribution was 0.27% of GNP.[1] Much this went to the Pacific region. However the country is occasionally more generous in responding to major crises, for example donating around 100 million New Zealand dollars to the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake relief effort. New Zealand troops and aircraft are also often sent to disaster areas in the Asia-Pacific.
[edit] Nuclear free policy
- Further information: New Zealand's nuclear-free zone
In the 1970s and 1980s anti-nuclear sentiment increased across New Zealand fuelling concerns about French nuclear testing in the Pacific at Moruroa atoll. The third Labour Government under Norman Kirk, co-sponsored by Australia, took France before the International Court of Justice in 1972,[8] requesting that the French cease atmospheric nuclear testing at Mururoa Atoll in French Polynesia in the southern Pacific Ocean. In 1972, as an act of defiance and protest the Kirk government sent two of its navy frigates, HMNZS Canterbury and Otago into the Moruroa test zone area.[9] Peace yachts attempting to disrupt the French tests had been sailing in coordinated protests into the Mururoa exclusion zones between 1972-1991.[10] Concerns about Nuclear proliferation and the presence of nuclear warheads or reactors on United States Navy ships visiting New Zealand ports continued to escalate. After it was elected in 1984, the Labour Party government of David Lange indicated its opposition to visits by such ships. In 1987 the labour Government declared New Zealand a nuclear-free zone (New Zealand Nuclear Free Zone, Disarmament, and Arms Control Act 1987), effectively legally removing New Zealand from the nuclear deterrent scenario and banning the entry of nuclear powered warships into its ports. Warships that did not fall into this category were not blocked, but the US took the view that any subsequent visit by a warship to New Zealand could not be carried out without violating the US' security policy of "neither confirming nor denying" nuclear capability of its ships.[11]
After increasingly acrimonious debates, in August 1986 the United States formally suspended its security obligations to New Zealand that it had under the ANZUS mutual defence pact. This suspension remains in effect today, although the US no longer carries nuclear weapons aboard its surface naval vessels.[citation needed] In 1987 New Zealand passed legislation making the country a nuclear free zone, namely the New Zealand Nuclear Free Zone, Disarmament, and Arms Control Act; in the same year the US retaliated with the Broomfield Act, designating New Zealand as a "friend" rather than an "ally".[12] Relations between New Zealand and the US have had several ups and downs since then.
In recent years, some voices have suggested removing the anti-nuclear legislation, especially the ACT New Zealand political party; and up until February 2006 the National Party was in favour of holding a referendum on the issue. However, public opinion remains strongly in favour of the country's status as a nuclear free zone. In May 2006, US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and Pacific Affairs, Christopher Hill, described the disagreement between the US and New Zealand as "a relic" but also signalled that the US wanted a closer defence relationship with New Zealand and praised New Zealand’s involvement in Afghanistan and reconstruction in Iraq. "Rather than trying to change each other's minds on the nuclear issue, which is a bit of a relic, I think we should focus on things we can make work," he told the Australian Financial Review.[13] Pressure from the United States on New Zealand's foreign policy increased in 2006, with U.S. trade officials linking the repeal of the ban of American nuclear ships from New Zealand's ports to a potential free trade agreement between the two countries.[14]
Relations between France and New Zealand were strained for two short periods in the 1980s and 1990s over the French nuclear tests at Moruroa and the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior in Auckland harbour. The latter was widely regarded as an act of state terrorism against New Zealand's sovereignty and was ordered by then French President François Mitterrand, although he denied any involvement at the time.[15] These events worked to strengthen New Zealand's resolve to retain its anti-nuclear policy. Relations between the two countries are now cordial, with strong trade and many new bilateral links.[16]
[edit] Pacific relations
Much of New Zealand's foreign policy is focused on the Pacific region, particularly Polynesia and Melanesia. Bilateral economic assistance resources have been focused on projects in the South Pacific island states, especially on Bougainville. The country’s long association with Samoa (formerly known as Western Samoa), reflected in a treaty of friendship signed in 1962, and its close association with Tonga have resulted in a flow of immigrants and visitors under work permit schemes from both countries. Recently New Zealand forces participated in peacekeeping efforts in the Pacific region in East Timor, the Solomon Islands and Tonga, see Military history of New Zealand.
In 1947, New Zealand joined Australia, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States to form the South Pacific Commission, a regional body to promote the welfare of the Pacific region. New Zealand has been a leader in the organization. In 1971, New Zealand joined the other independent and self-governing states of the South Pacific to establish the South Pacific Forum (now known as the Pacific Islands Forum), which meets annually at the “heads of government” level.
[edit] 2006 East Timor crisis
On May 25, Prime Minister Clark requested more information as to exactly what support East Timor would require from New Zealand, before committing any forces. She said that "It's very important not to walk into what is a factional dispute in some respects and be seen to be taking sides," and "It's also important to be mindful that the Security Council is having consultations as we speak."[17]
On May 26, New Zealand deployed forty-two troops, with a second contingent of 120 troops leaving Christchurch on May 27, en route to Townsville, Queensland before being sent to East Timor. Clark said that the forces would be deployed where needed by the Australian command.[18]
[edit] New Zealand-Fiji relations
Since the 2006 Military Coup in Fiji relationships between the country have turned icy. In 2007 New Zealand's High Commissioner for Fiji Michael Green was expelled from Fiji by Military leader Frank Banimarama. Angry at this action the New Zealand government increased trade sanctions against the country while both major political parties saying the expulsion was outrageous and unacceptable.
[edit] New Zealand-Australia relations
New Zealand's relations with Australia are very close; the Closer Economic Relations agreement gives each country access to the other's markets, and the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement allows New Zealanders and Australians automatic residency in each other's countries. As a result of the latter agreement, there is substantial migration between the two countries but especially from New Zealand to Australia. The Australian Constitution allows for New Zealand to become part of Australia, and although the idea is sometimes floated it has little support in Australia and less in New Zealand.
[edit] New Zealand-Canada relations
New Zealand-Canada relations refers to international relations between New Zealand and Canada. New Zealand and Canada have a close and longstanding relationship that has been fostered by both countries close history and culture, by extremely close ties to the Commonwealth of Nations and extensive links to people in either country. Both New Zealand and Canada have a common Head of State, Queen Elizabeth II. Canada has said that New Zealand is a valuable international partner despite the thousands of miles separating the two countries. Both share a like-minded view of the world on a variety of issues. New Zealand and Canada have close links whether it be through business or trade relations, the United Nations, the Commonwealth or mutual treaty agreements, New Zealand-Canada relations are extremely important to both countries.
[edit] New Zealand-China relations
New Zealand contact with China started very early in its history with the first records of ethnic Chinese in New Zealand were immigrants from Guangdong Province, who arrived during the 1860s gold rush era, with missionary, trade, extensive immigration and other links continuing during China’s Republican era (1912-1949). The establishment of the People’s Republic brought these links to a halt. New Zealand formally recognised the PRC in 1972. New Zealand and China celebrated 35 years of diplomatic relations in 2007. The bilateral relationship has grown to become one of New Zealand’s most important. A free trade agreement (FTA) between China and New Zealand was signed on 7 April 2008 by Premier of the People's Republic of China Wen Jiabao and Prime Minister of New Zealand Helen Clark in Beijing. It is the first free trade agreement that China has signed with any developed country.
[edit] New Zealand-Greece relations
Stemming from World War II, New Zealand forces fought alongside the Greeks in continental Greece and Crete since then, Greece has claimed a special relationship with New Zealand. An under-equipped force made-up of largely New Zealand, Australian, British and Greek troops fought to protect the island from invasion. The Battle of Crete is commemorated every year in both Crete and New Zealand. Prime Minister Helen Clark led a large party from New Zealand to Crete in May 2001 to attend the 60th anniversary of the battle. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon Phil Goff, attended anniversary celebrations in May 2003 and Hon Annette King in May 2006. The war was followed by a modest wave of Greek emigration to New Zealand. In the 2006 Census 2,547 people primarily identified themselves as being Greek. A bilateral Social Security Agreement came into force on 1 April 1994.
[edit] New Zealand-Israel relations
Relations between New Zealand and Israel became fraught in 2004 when two Israeli citizens, believed to be Mossad agents, were convicted of passport fraud. Diplomatic sanctions were imposed by New Zealand, but lifted after a formal apology by the Israeli Foreign Minister the following year.
On August 14, 2006, Prime Minister Helen Clark expressed her happiness that the United Nations Security Council had unanimously passed Resolution 1701, calling for a "full cessation of hostilities" between Israeli and Hezbollah, on August 11.[19]
[edit] New Zealand-North Korea relations
Although diplomatic relations were established between New Zealand and North Korea in 2001, a recent trip by New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters to Pyongyang, the capital city of North Korea was the first visit by a New Zealand foreign minister to that country.[20] The trip was about establishing economic and political deals with crippled North Korean economy on the basis that it start dismantling its nuclear weapons facilities. [21] United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice congratulated Mr Peters on his effort in negotiating with a potential nuclear threat and welcomed Peters' actions on the matter. [20]
[edit] New Zealand-United States relations
New Zealand is a Major non-NATO ally ally of the United States and has been since 1997. Despite the political contention over ANZUS, New Zealand forces have cooperated with U.S. forces subsequently in the 1991 Gulf War and in the 2001 U.S. invasion of Afghanistan. New Zealand forces did not participate in the 2003 invasion of Iraq, but a contingent of New Zealand army engineers assisted with reconstruction work in Iraq in the aftermath of the war, being based in Basra. New Zealand also participates in the ECHELON programme.
[edit] See also
- New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
- List of Ambassadors and High Commissioners to and from New Zealand
- Diplomatic missions of New Zealand
- List of diplomatic posts in New Zealand
- 2005-2006 Christian Peacemaker hostage crisis
[edit] References
- ^ Disarmament and Security Centre - Publications - Books
- ^ "Seismic change for NZ’s foreign service", Winston Peters, New Zealand government press release, April 16, 2008
- ^ Source: CIA World Factbook, 2003 edition (external link).
- ^ Source: NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
- ^ a b Source: NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
- ^ a b Source: Statistics New Zealand.
- ^ Source: Statistics New Zealand.
- ^ Disarmament and Security Centre - Publications - Papers
- ^ Mururoa Nuclear Tests, RNZN protest Veterans - Home
- ^ Making Waves the Greenpeace New Zealand Story by Michael Szabo ISBN 0 7900 0230 2
- ^ Nuclear-Free New Zealand - Twenty Years On
- ^ See further R. Thakur 1989 (October), "Creation of the nuclear-free New Zealand: brinkmanship without a brink," Asian Survey 29: 919-39.
- ^ Xinhua, "NZ, U.S. links delicate on nuclear ban", People's Daily Online, 9 May 2006.
- ^ NEW ZEALAND: US links free trade to repeal of NZ nuclear ships ban - 2 November 2002
- ^ Mitterrand ordered bombing of Rainbow Warrior, spy chief says - Times Online
- ^ Sources: NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, French Ministère des Affaires étrangères.
- ^ "UN opens E Timor refugee camp", Australian Broadcasting Corporation, 25 May 2006.
- ^ RNZ. "More troops as Dili violence escalates", Television New Zealand, 27 May 2006.
- ^ NZ government press release, "NZ welcomes Security Council resolution", Scoop, 12 August 2006.
- ^ a b Peters reports back to US on N Korea
- ^ Peters to Visit North Korea and US; Attend EAS - press release Rt Hon Winston Peters 8 November 2007
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