New Zealand will make a bid for a two-year term on the United Nations Security Council in 2015 and 2016, Foreign Minister Phil Goff said today.
It would be New Zealand's fourth term on the Security Council since the United Nations was formed in 1945. Previous terms were in 1954-55, 1966
and 1993-1994.
Under the UN charter the council has primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.
"If elected, we would be at the heart of all collective security issues, and be able to further strengthen our support for the UN and its secretary-general," Mr Goff said.
It was normal for countries to signal their intentions to register their interest well in advance, he said.
"Elections for the Security Council are among the most hotly contested in the United Nations. Member states work within their regional electoral groups and among the wider membership to get as much support as possible."
New Zealand's campaign kicked off with an announcement of its intentions to the Western European and Other States Group of UN members.
New Zealand is a part of this group, which includes Australia, Canada, United States, Israel, Turkey and Western European nations.
- NZPA
