The place of New Zealand as a security partner for Australia

Abstract

Until recent years it was common for commentators on either side of the Tasman to speak of the congruence of the security outlooks of Australia and New Zealand. This view was founded not just on geostrategic considerations, or on the formal alliance dating from 1944, but on a range of perceived similarities between the two countries, historical, ethnic, cultural, economic, political. It was cemented by a tradition of intimate military co-operation, and the associated Anzac mythology. Nevertheless, Australia and New Zealand have never had identical security outlooks, as has lately become better appreciated. The catalyst has been the policy of the Lange and Palmer Governments in New Zealand towards nuclear defence, and specifically towards visits of nuclear armed or powered ships and aircraft in New Zealand. However, this is only the clearest expression of the dissimilarities between Australia and New Zealand which have existed as a counterpoint to the trans- Tasman security relationship. The relationship endures, but its shape is changing as the two nations develop in sometimes divergent directions. Show more