Scott Morrison has suggested New Zealand consider abandoning its anti-nuclear stance of the past 40 years as it confronts the realities of the heightened geopolitical environment.
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The former prime minister is considered an architect of the AUKUS defence pact which will see Australia, the US and UK share nuclear secrets and help Australia develop nuclear-powered submarines.
New Zealand is mulling membership of pillar two of that pact, along Japan, Canada and South Korea, which would develop and share advanced military technology.
On Friday AEST, Foreign Minister Winston Peters met with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and issued a joint communique stating there were "powerful reasons" for New Zealand to "engage practically" with AUKUS.
However, New Zealand's proud and bipartisan anti-nuclear stance, which extends to banning nuclear-powered or nuclear-armed ships in Kiwi waters, will put it at odds with its only formal defence ally, Australia, by next decade.
Australia's nuclear-powered submarines, due to come online in the late 2030s, will not be able to travel through New Zealand's waters.
They may also be unwelcome in large swathes of the Pacific given many nations of the blue continent are scarred by nuclear testing during the 20th century.
In an interview with Stuff's Tova podcast, Mr Morrison said he would welcome a debate in New Zealand to be more accepting of nuclear technology.
"These things are always worth looking at," he said.
"I appreciate that it's a very sensitive issue in New Zealand and it's got quite a history.
"In Australia, under the new leader of the Liberal Party Peter Dutton they have engaged in a discussion about a civil nuclear industry in Australia (and) it's progressing in a very mature way.
"In the same way, we're dealing with new and sensitive issues and in a mature way, I (have) no reason to believe why New Zealand couldn't equally consider doing that."
Mr Morrison said a debate would have to be "guided by the national interest", with bipartisan necessary given the long-term nature of the commitment.
A change in nuclear policy appears off the cards, given broad support among Kiwis and a categorical commitment by Prime Minister Chris Luxon not to tinker with it.
Mr Morrison said whether or not New Zealand signed up to AUKUS pillar two, the country could "be involved in a practical capacity".
"I can very much see the opportunity for New Zealand companies to be participating in programs, to be working with Australia and UK and US partners on projects that are related to AUKUS, and not just specifically in AUKUS pillars, one or two, potentially in other areas as well," he said.
The joint NZ-US statement pointed to more collaboration, including annual talks between the secretary of state and foreign minister.
"The strategic environment that New Zealand and the United States face is considerably more challenging now than even a decade ago," Mr Peters said.
"It demands that we work together more urgently and concertedly".
Mr Luxon and Mr Morrison met in Wellington last week, the latter describing the Kiwi leader as a "good friend" and someone who has "got the goods to get the job done".
"He knows why he's there," he said.
"It's a great opportunity for New Zealand to have someone leading the country who has (a corporate) background.
"It's new and I think that's going to provide New Zealand with some great opportunities."
Australian Associated Press
