Page - July 19, 2007
June 8th marked the 20th anniversary of this country's nuclear free status. The New Zealand Nuclear Free Zone, Disarmament and Arms Control Act came into force in February 1972, linking the idea of being nuclear free with a broader commitment to disarmament and arms control.
Nuclear Free Seas Flotilla, led by Tiama heads out to meet the Pacific Pintail,a british ship carrying 250kilos of plutonium. They are seen here midway between Lord Howe and Norfolk islands.Seen here is skipper of flotilla ,Henk Haazen.
We decided as a small nation that the best means of
self-protection was to not be part of the nuclear military
structure. As Lange said at the time, 'there is only one thing
worse than being threatened by nuclear weapons and that is being
protected by them'.
Despite pressure from the US and the collapse of the regional
alliance of ANZUS, we've stayed friends with the US, our nuclear
free status has not meant economic ruin - in fact many would argue
it's given us an edge - and we have maintained our right to decide
our own foreign policy.
The Act established the first ever single nation nuclear
weapons-free zone. It still represents the only example of a
country embodying its nuclear free policy in law. The act is also
unique in its absolute ban on visits by nuclear powered and armed
vessels or aircraft.
It also bans the manufacture, storage, transportation, and
testing of, and any other involvement with, nuclear weapons within
our nuclear free zone. Plus our military personnel can't
participate with other forces in activities involving nuclear
weapons.
The legislation is still very relevant today. There's a new
nuclear arms race afoot and a key driver of it is the fact that the
five 'official' nuclear states - with the US out there in front -
are developing newer and more useable nuclear weapons. Nuclear
weapons have not got any safer; they continue to be the ultimate
weapons of terror. The proliferation of nuclear materials around
the world is considered by the G8 to be one of the most severe
global security threats today. There are no good nuclear weapons
no matter who has them, so our best option remains to be part of
the small progressive group of countries working towards nuclear
disarmament. Part of that commitment means practicing what we
preach. Our nuclear free status not only keeps us safe but is also
part of the "brand NZ' - priceless really.