Foreign Affairs and Trade:

New Zealand is, and always will be, a trading nation. Free movement of goods and services between nations is integral to global economic prosperity, and this is true no less for New Zealand. Our wealth depends on purchasing goods that we cannot produce cheaply, and exporting ones that we can for higher prices on the international market. Therefore, New Zealand must promote a trade policy which allows for the free movement of goods, and must promote a diplomatic policy which allows for a stable global community, in order to further free trade and the economic prosperity of our nation.

The National Party is a strong supporter of free trade agreements and the abolition of barriers to free trade, including the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. In a third term in government, the National Party would seek to rejoin the CPTPP and attempt to undo the damage done by this left’s policy of protectionism. The National Party believes that New Zealand should maintain and strengthen her traditional alliances, as well as seek to maintain good relationships with neighbours in the Asia-Pacific region, in order to ensure the national security of New Zealand. New Zealand’s role as a leading nation in the South Pacific should also be maintained, but not at unnecessary expense to the taxpayer. We should send aid to neighbouring states in time of disaster, attempt to prevent conflict as a regional diplomatic leader, and stand up for liberal democratic values in Pacific governments.

The National Party will:

• Promote New Zealand values on a world stage.

• Rejoin the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.

• Remain open to immigration and oppose any further reductions.

• Investigate removing tariffs on goods not produced in New Zealand.

Defence:

The National Party believes that the New Zealand Defence Force should focus more on the protection and patrol of our maritime border and Exclusive Economic Zone, while still maintaining the international obligations we have to our allies. We live in an insecure world, and National believes New Zealand should play our part in keeping it safe. We have a direct interest in ensuring our partners enjoy the same peace and prosperity we do, both for global stability and the safety of New Zealanders at home and abroad. Our Defence Force also helps at home – they’re vital in responding to natural disasters, and helping secure our borders. New Zealand has the world’s fourth largest exclusive economic zone, covering almost 10 per cent of the planet’s surface. As a nation of traders, it’s critical we police our borders. That's why National is committed to upgrading our fleet of maritime reconnaissance aircraft to P8 Poseidons, and investing in a new simulator for the our NH90 helicopters.

The National Party will:

• Maintain a capable, marine-oriented defence force.

• Ensure that New Zealand continues to have an active military presence internationally.

• Invest in a simulator for the Defence Force’s NH90 helicopters.

• Continue the upgrade of our P3 Orion fleet to P8 Poseidons.