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All parties on Foreign Policy
Foreign Policy · Party position

National on Foreign Policy

Independent foreign policy serving NZ interests, values, and security

National says it will use diplomacy and trade deals to look after New Zealand's interests while standing up for values like democracy and human rights. It wants a strong, combat-ready military to protect New Zealand's waters and work with allies. It also promises better support and care for veterans who feel they have been overlooked.

What they say they'll do

  • Prioritise diplomacy, international partnerships, and trade agreements in line with NZ values
  • Maintain a modern, combat-ready military to protect New Zealand's Exclusive Economic Zone
  • Collaborate with allies and global partners to address security challenges
  • Promote democracy, freedom, human rights, and inclusivity internationally
  • Ensure veterans receive timely care, recognition, and support

Who this affects

NZ businesses and exporters
The party says it will pursue trade agreements and international partnerships, which affects businesses that sell goods or services overseas.
Military veterans
The party says it will provide timely support, care, and recognition to veterans, who it acknowledges currently feel undervalued and overlooked.
Defence Force personnel
The party says it will maintain a modern, combat-ready military, which affects the resourcing and readiness of people serving in the New Zealand Defence Force.

In their own words

“National is committed to expanding international opportunities for New Zealanders and businesses while protecting human rights, promoting inclusivity, and advancing democracy, freedom, and security.”
“National supports a strong, combat-ready, interoperable Defence Force able to keep New Zealand safe, protect our Exclusive Economic Zone, and fulfil our global security and humanitarian responsibilities”
“Sadly, many veterans feel undervalued and overlooked. National is committed to honouring the sacrifice and service of veterans while ensuring they receive the care, recognition, and support they deserve.”
Verify at National — official policy page

Summarised neutrally from National’s own official policy (as at 2026-07-23) and checked by an editor. Nothing is paraphrased without the source linked. Read the original ↗ Arapono is non-partisan. Compare all parties on Foreign Policy →

In depth — from National’s policy document · 2026

New Zealand’s Next Billion Customers — the trade agenda

National proposes opening trade negotiations with seven new economies over five years, extending the essential-supplies agreement signed with Singapore to other partners, cutting border paperwork through paperless trade and digital customs, and giving New Zealand Trade and Enterprise a mandate to seek out opportunities rather than wait to be asked. It restates a target of doubling export value by 2034.

New negotiations
Seven economies
Those markets
~700m people
NZ exports there now
$1.8bn
Read the full breakdown5 sections · 2 quotes · 4 open questions

Coverage at a glance

Which party holds a published position on which topic.

Open the compare tool →

Swipe across to see all 11 topics — the party column stays put.

PartyEconomyHousingHealthEducationClimateEnvironmentCrime & JusticeTreaty & Māori AffairsImmigrationForeign PolicyDemocracy & Government
National
Published position∅ No stated position (verified) Not captured yet
∅
Labour∅∅∅∅∅∅
Green
ACT
NZ First
Te Pāti Māori
TOP
Also contesting, without seats in Parliament
Women’s Rights
Animal Justice
ALCP
Conservative
Outdoors & Freedom
Vision NZ
Alliance
Free Palestine
NZ Loyal∅
Te Tai Tokerau∅