New Zealand's Place in the World

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. Particular emphasis should be given to the Asia-Pacific region, where six of our top ten trading partners lie. In addition, United Future recognises that the defence of the nation is a fundamental responsibility of any government. 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 will:

• Further New Zealand's interests through independent representatives and the United Nations
• Promote international peace, human rights and the pursuit of freedom
• Assist in the peaceful resolution of Asia-Pacific issues by offering intermediary facilities, resources and expertise
• Retain New Zealand's nuclear-free status and international leadership on disarmament issues, actively striving to achieve a world free from nuclear weapons
• Promote regional agreement on trans-national law and order issues across the South Pacific issues.
• Establish New Zealand as a trusted intermediary, whose diplomatic and trade officials are beyond reproach and regularly called upon
• Emphasise our developing relationships with Asia and the Pacific Rim, while recognising historical links with other parts of the world
• Continue to support efforts to ameliorate unsustainable third world debt. Investments by these nations in human development should take priority over debt repayments
• Establish overseas aid at 0.5% of GDP, moving toward the accepted international millennium goal of 0.7% by promoting a multi-party accord.
• 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
• Support free trade and embrace free trade agreements.
• Explore the benefits of a currency link with Australia.
• Ensure that the government meets the full cost of measures arising from the international war on terrorism as a "defence of the realm" issue without new imposts on New Zealand-based exporters and importers.
• Introduce parliamentary scrutiny of nominated High Commissioners and Ambassadors before their appointments take effect.
• 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.
• Ensure greater flexibility in defence equipment purchase procedures, including the option of leasing.
• Establish closer defence co-operation between New Zealand and Australia in a revitalisation of the ANZAC tradition, such as exploring the possibility of a combined maritime surveillance capability, joint air strike forces, special forces teams, or an ANZAC battalion.
• Improve political and defence relationships with the United States and Australia.
• Promote reform of the United Nations through broadening the membership of the Security Council, and the abolition of the veto
• Support the rights of new democracies, such as Taiwan, to participate fully in the work of international organisations.

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