Military exercises between New Zealand and the United States are being stepped up but the public is fairly divided over them.
New Zealand Army engineers will train in the United States with the Marine Corps next month in an exercise dubbed Galvanic Kiwi, the first joint exercise on American soil since the Anzus rift over New Zealand anti-nuclear policy in 1984.
It will follow closely on the heels of the Alam Halfa exercise in New Zealand which involves 76 US military personnel, the first combat exercises since the rift.
A Herald-DigiPoll of 750 voters conducted shortly after the announcement of the Alam Halfa exercise suggests more people approve of the resumption of exercises, but not overwhelmingly.
Asked, "Do you approve or disapprove of the United States resuming military exercises in New Zealand," 47.6 per cent approved, 44 per cent disapproved and 8.4 per cent didn't know or wouldn't say.
