Labour leader Phil Goff supports the proposed Anzac rapid-response force, with the only caveat that New Zealand must retain deployment control.
Mr Goff said it was worth examining the proposal, raised during Prime Minister John Key's meeting with his Australian counterpart Kevin Rudd last week.
The concept was in Australia's defence review and both Mr Key and Mr Rudd expressed support for it.
Mr Goff, a former Minister of Defence and Foreign Affairs, said he was happy if it formalised the relationship seen in interventions in East Timor and the Solomon Islands. His only concern was if New Zealand lost its right to make military decisions itself - which is unlikely.
Mr Goff said New Zealand and Australia had differing views on Iraq, and "we need to maintain our right to make our decisions independently".
"Having a joint taskforce for the Pacific would have some sense and is worth investigating."
Goff says Anzac force needs NZ influence
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