New Zealand navy vessels such as the HMNZS Canterbury will now be able to visit US ports, Photo / Steven McNicholl
In a key shift, the United States is lifting a ban on New Zealand navy vessels visiting US ports, and will remove obstacles to defence talks and exercises.
US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta announced the shifts in policy after talks with Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman in Auckland today.
Mr Panetta
said the restrictions would be lifted in the interests of closer defence cooperation in the Asia Pacific.
Neither side will change their stance on US ship visits to New Zealand, but Mr Panetta said the restrictions had been in place since the suspension of Anzus. He believed removing them could be made without affecting core tenets of US policy.
Currently waivers are required before New Zealand can take part in exercises or talks with the US.