Labour leader Andrew Little says New Zealand needs to reclaim its status as a moral leader.
It was the theme of a speech to Grey Power at the Wanganui War Memorial Centre yesterday.
About 150 people turned up to hear Mr Little and to get in his ear for minute about a range of issues.
He said New Zealand had to engage with the world "but we can and should do that in pursuit of what's best for New Zealanders".
"New Zealand is retreating from our role as an international leader and, when powerful overseas interests come calling, we are less likely to stand up for ourselves."
He called climate change the "greatest threat to the world since the spectre of nuclear fallout" but said New Zealand's response showed it was "huddled away in the middle of the pack". New Zealand should have a CO2 reduction target of 40 per cent below 1990 levels by 2030, in line with the European Union target.
The Syrian refugee crisis was also something New Zealand needed to play a bigger role in. "Taking refugees is something we do exceptionally well - we just need to do more of it."
Grey Power members questioned his party's regional development policies and whether he would bring public service jobs back to places such as Wanganui. Technology had made that more possible than ever, and it was something that should be looked at, he said.
"I am very keen to make sure the Government spends its money in a way that sustains local communities."
He also explained the decision drop his party's voluntary euthanasia bill from the agenda late last year. "It was a question of priorities," he said. The issue is now part of a select committee inquiry.
"I'm confident Parliament will make progress with that issue."
His comments on the flag referendum drew the biggest applause from a crowd which seemed to back the status quo.
The first referendum should have asked if the country wanted a flag change rather than selecting an alternative first, he said.
"It looks like, with all due respect to the Government, a jack-up. It is a gamble and we'll just see what the people of New Zealand make of it."