National seeks to reassure on nuclear-free status

Don Brash

National has no intention of rushing through a watering down of New Zealand's nuclear-free status if it wins the election, says defence spokesman John Carter.

Releasing his party's defence policy yesterday, Mr Carter reiterated that National will not amend the nuclear-free legislation without a clear mandate from a public referendum.

National was on the back foot again this week on nuclear policy after Foreign Affairs Minister Phil Goff revealed further details from notes of confidential discussions early last year between National leader Don Brash, his foreign affairs spokesman, Lockwood Smith, and a delegation of United States senators.

Mr Goff highlighted a reference to Dr Smith asking whether it would be worthwhile for a United States think-tank to assist with a public campaign to sway opinion in New Zealand towards a law change. Mr Goff cited that as further evidence of National's intention to repeal the ban on port visits by nuclear-powered ships.

National says the notes are incomplete and Dr Smith believed aspects of them were misleading.

The party's two-page defence policy talks of New Zealand contributing a "fair share" to international security through enhancing relations with traditional allies.

But the policy is short on detail.

Mr Carter confirmed that any prospect of re-establishing the Air Force strike wing was remote.