Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade
As an independent and free nation New Zealand strongly values and defends democratic and human rights. As New Zealanders, we rely on trade for our economic wellbeing, and we must encourage free trade and fair access to the markets on which our future depends. Central to United Future's vision is an independent nation with appropriate defence forces, respected for its stability, willingness, and ability to assist those who seek our counsel or help.
United Future's position is to:
- Establish overseas aid at 0.5% of GNI immediately and reach the accepted international millennium goal of 0.7% by 2015.
- Promote regional agreement on trans-national law and order issues across the South Pacific issues.
- Retain New Zealand's nuclear-free status and international leadership on disarmament issues, actively striving to achieve a world free from nuclear weapons.
- Further New Zealand's interests through independent representatives and the United Nations
- Emphasise our developing relationships with Asia and the Pacific Rim, while recognising historical links with other parts of the world
- Fully support regular international and regional meetings (e.g. APEC and CHOGM) and support a bid for New Zealand to host the World Trade Expo within the next ten years.
- Reach a multi-party accord on ten year defence and capital equipment funding which will allow for more efficient purchasing and to ensure that Defence Forces receive reasonable funding to meet and carry out core functions.
- Actively promote the rights of new democracies, such as Taiwan, to participate fully in the work of international organisations.