NZ to give $685,000 to G8 non-proliferation project

John Key and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper after their bilateral meeting. Photo / AP

New Zealand will contribute $685,000 to a Canadian-led non-proliferation project, Prime Minister John Key announced in Ottawa today.

The project was part of the G8 Global Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons of Mass Destruction.

In a joint press conference with Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Mr Key said the project was a practical way for New Zealand to reduce the risk of nuclear materials ending up in the wrong hands.

The money will fund radiation detection equipment for a Russian nuclear facility to help prevent illicit trafficking of nuclear and radiological materials, he said.

New Zealand has committed almost $6 million to G8 Global Partnership projects since 2004.

"New Zealand has a longstanding and valuable relationship with Canada and the two countries work together on a wide range of issues," Mr Key said.

He also said New Zealand would work closely with Canada on science in the Arctic and Antarctica with New Zealand scientists to participate in a project to measure ice thickness and the effects of climate change in those regions.

He announced the establishment of a Prime Minister's Fellowship for Canada which will see an influential Canadian brought to New Zealand each year to meet with experts and officials in their field.

Mr Key's visit to Canada was the first by a New Zealand prime minister in 11 years.

His visit ends today and is expected to return to New Zealand by Monday to chair a Cabinet meeting.

- NZPA