By AUDREY YOUNG political editor
The National Party has moved closer to laying out the welcome mat for United States nuclear-powered warships at New Zealand ports.
The party conference in Christchurch at the weekend endorsed a remit that could allow nuclear-powered ships into New Zealand but continue support for the ban on
nuclear weapons.
The resolution was swaddled in language that more broadly embraced "safe nuclear technologies" rather than overt references to nuclear-powered warships.
The remit finally passed was heavily diluted from that originally proposed by the Rotorua electorate. It had proposed the abolition of the nuclear-free legislation "to permit the entry of nuclear vessels".
The remit was moderated after a pleading of caution from Port Waikato MP Dr Paul Hutchison. He said the nuclear issue was "deeply embedded in the psyche of all New Zealanders" and that its importance to New Zealanders must never be under-estimated.
The resolution which passed resoundingly on a voice vote said: "That the National Party support a change to the nuclear-free legislation to make it clear that safe nuclear technologies are permitted in New Zealand (that may include nuclear vessels built to safe specifications) but that nuclear weapons remain banned from New Zealand."
The remit does not become party policy. Former deputy leader Wyatt Creech is leading a task force to review the anti-nuclear policy as part of a broader study of New Zealand's relationship with the US. It is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
The weekend resolution paves the way for Mr Creech's committee to recommend a change but such policy changes are finally determined by the caucus and board of directors.
The diluted resolution reflected the gently-gently approach of leader Bill English on the issue.
"The policy about nuclear ships coming into the harbours has to be about New Zealand's national interest," he said. "You wouldn't change it unless it was in New Zealand's national interest.
"It has also been tied in with New Zealand's sense of identity, particularly for a generation that came through the '60s and '70s."
Another remit calling for the restoration of the Anzus security relationship with the United States, which has lain dormant since the anti-nuclear law was passed, was easily carried.
