There have been very few serious attempts to overturn New Zealand’s nuclear-free policy since it was introduced by the Labour Government in 1987.
The closest we came was when Don Brash reportedly told US officials the ban would be gone by lunchtime if he became Prime Minister.
But over the weekend, Defence Minister Chris Penk surprised many by suggesting it could be “helpful” to have a conversation about Nuclear Free New Zealand during a talk in Singapore. But any talk of change was quickly shut down by Christopher Luxon, who said the policy will not change while he is Prime Minister.
Still, the comments have reignited debate about New Zealand’s stance on nuclear issues and whether it remains fit for an ever-changing world.
Professor Robert Patman from the University of Otago says New Zealand’s nuclear-free policy has been its international brand for more than 40 years and warns any change could be seen by others as backtracking.
He joins Emile Donovan on the show tonight.
A nuclear explosion at Mururoa atoll in 1971, France stopped atmospheric testing in the Pacific in 1974.
Photo: AFP