FOREIGN POLICY BACKGROUND

New Zealand's foreign policy is driven by three main national interests:

• to protect New Zealand's territorial integrity and security

• to derive maximum benefit from relations with other countries

• to promote the core values shared by most New Zealanders.

There are some constant factors affecting the way we pursue those interests:

• size - New Zealand is a small country in terms of land area, population and economic output. This limits its military and diplomatic capabilities - but, as has recently been argued, influence is "soft power"

• geographical position - New Zealand is geographically isolated and remote from major world centres. The likelihood of a direct threat to its borders is very small

• history - immigration patterns and past associations have established New Zealand as a country with values based in democracy and the Western liberal tradition

• economy - New Zealand has an export-oriented production base, which requires secure trade routes and access to overseas markets

• outlook - New Zealand has a tradition of constructive and active participation in international affairs. New Zealand has chosen to place emphasis on some particular aspects of its dealings with other countries:

• human rights - New Zealand will seek to conduct its international relations in a way that promotes forms of governance and civil liberties which accord with the values of New Zealanders

• disarmament - New Zealand foreign policy is informed by a broad-based commitment to reducing the threat posed by weapons, in particular nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction.

• environment - New Zealand is concerned to work with other countries to prevent degradation of the global environment and promote sustainable development
• cultural values - through its international dealings New Zealand will project to other countries what is unique and valuable in New Zealand culture, including the Maori aspects of its heritage.

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