Pacific engagement must tackle climate change and avoid militarisation

Aotearoa must retain its independent foreign policy in the Pacific region, the Green Party says.

“We are concerned that an opaque joint statement from the United States and New Zealand governments suggests greater military cooperation in the Pacific but does not specify the types of activities or deployments we could be committing to,” Green Party foreign affairs spokesperson Golriz Ghahraman said.

“The Pacific faces existential threats from climate change and biodiversity loss, and the focus of New Zealand’s diplomatic relationships must be empowering our Pacific neighbours to tackle these crises through genuinely supportive measures, such as New Zealand’s $1.3 billion climate fund.

“Any support or partnership with the US military must be well defined - such as disaster relief or fisheries monitoring - so New Zealanders can be assured that we will not be dragged into great power political games between the likes of China and the United States which are not in our interests, or the interests of our Pacific community.

“Though the United States has been an ally to Aotearoa in many ways, it is also a nation that has waged wars, conducted mass illegal spying across the globe, and has backed other governments and organisations which act against our core values of human rights and the international rule of law.

“We renew the call for our Government to use all its diplomatic powers to implore allies such as the United States to commit to Third World debt alleviation. This would be a far more meaningful way for our most powerful allies to help Pacific states overcome the economic challenges caused by the COVID pandemic. If debt was alleviated, Pacific nations would gain greater economic security and sovereignty, reducing the influence of wealthy countries in the region.

“Aotearoa must uphold its independent foreign policy, reflecting our commitment to enhance the mana and values of our region.”

ENDS

Action

Protect Nature

Volunteer

The Greens are proud to be driven by passionate people like you. Today we need your help to take action on the biggest issues facing Aotearoa. Volu...

Action

Save Auckland's Climate Budget

Sign the petition to stop Mayor Wayne Brown's proposal for dangerous cuts to climate and environmental programmes that protect us from extreme weat...

Action

No New Mines 2023

Action

Expand Voting

Now more than ever, young people in Aotearoa are impacted by Government decisions, and they deserve to have a say. We are calling on all Members of...

Action

End Intensive Winter Grazing

Sign the petition to Labour Ministers, to move faster in bringing regulations into force and end intensive winter grazing.

Action

Trains for Climate

Add your name to our open letter urging the Minister for Finance Grant Robertson to save our passenger trains between Wellington, the Wairarapa and...

Action

Healthy Oceans 2022

Join our Healthy Oceans Crew to help us keep the health and protection of our oceans high on the Labour Government’s political agenda.

Action

It's time: A Ministry for Rainbow Communities

Join our call asking the Prime Minister to establish a Ministry for Rainbow Communities that can champion Rainbow issues.

Action

No new mines on conservation land

Sign the open letter asking Labour Ministers to stick to their promise of banning new mining projects on conservation land.

Action

Allow community ownership of our buses

Public transport is an essential service and helps to tackle the climate crisis by reducing our carbon emissions. But there are barriers to communi...

Action

Local Events

We have activists across Aotearoa / New Zealand who are working hard to build a brighter future for our kids and grandkids. This page lists upcomin...

Latest Foreign Affairs Announcements

Story

Military deployment dangerous and naïve

The Green Party is deeply disturbed at the Government’s decision to deploy New Zealand defence force staff to the Red Sea.

Green Party statement on the violence in Israel and Gaza

The Green Party is deeply concerned about the unprecedented escalation of violence in Israel and Gaza.

Stronger action needed to stop Iran regime violence

Stronger action consistent with New Zealand’s commitment to freedom, justice, and equality is needed to hold those responsible for violence and hum...

Political parties call for action on Iran

Parties from across Parliament have come together to call on the Government to take decisive action to hold those responsible for violence and huma...

Greens call for sanctions on Iranian regime

The Green Party is calling for Aotearoa New Zealand to follow the EU, UK, and Canada by imposing sanctions and restrictions on the organisations an...

Green Party applauds strength of Iranian protestors and communities

The Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand applauds the strength of Iranian protestors and the communities supporting them in Iran and around the worl...