Polls & Research

New Zealanders Would Remain Nuclear-Free

(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Many adults in New Zealand believe a plebiscite to review their country's ban on nuclear vessels is unnecessary, according to a poll by TNS released by TV3. 53 per cent of respondents think there should not be a referendum on the matter.

Last year, disarmament minister Marian Hobbs said the current Labour administration has no plans to amend the 1987 law that establishes New Zealand as a nuclear-free area. Existing regulations do not allow nuclear-armed and nuclear-powered ships in the country.

Bilateral relations between the United States and New Zealand were briefly strained during the start of the war on terrorism. In 2003, U.S. commerce undersecretary Grant Aldones chided the government headed by prime minister Helen Clark for its anti-nuclear stance, claiming American warships must be allowed to fight terrorism all over the world.

A report prepared by the opposition National party in 2004 suggested a moderate "policy ban" on nuclear-armed and nuclear-powered ships, saying Denmark—a country that operates on a similar capacity—maintains good diplomatic relations with the U.S. National has vowed not to modify the 1987 law without holding a nationwide referendum first. 60 per cent of respondents would vote to uphold the existing ban if a plebiscite takes place.

New Zealand voters will renew the House of Representatives on Sept. 17. Recent voting intention polls put the governing Labour party ahead of the opposition National party.

Polling Data

Do you think there should be a referendum on whether nuclear-powered ships should be allowed to visit New Zealand ports?

How would you vote if a referendum on allowing nuclear-powered ships to visit New Zealand ports took place?