Progressive Party.

• Position: ELECTION 2005 - Political party

New Zealand has a long and proud tradition of centre-left governments clearly stating our commitment to democracy and humanitarianism in foreign policy. Examples include the stance taken by Michael Savage's government in the 1930s in support of the League of Nations, the role Peter Fraser's government played in setting up the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the initiatives of Norman Kirk and later governments on nuclear testing and nuclear-armed vessels in the 1970s and 1980s.

The Progressive Party endorses this tradition and these policies and fully supports the coalition government's decision not to participate in the invasion of Iraq in 2003. We believe that international security is best served for small nations through collective security and the UN Charter, with human rights and international co-operation as additional strong foundations.

New Zealand's geographical setting and our substantial Polynesian heritage and linkages make the South Pacific an important focus of our foreign policy. There can be no long-term comprehensive security for the people of New Zealand unless we cooperate sensitively with neighbouring countries that are stressed, politically and economically.

An early initiative of the first of our Labour-led coalition governments was a review of New Zealand's overseas aid commissioned by then Associate Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade responsible for Overseas Development Cooperation, Progressive MP Matt Robson. We were concerned that aid had become a political instrument rather than a way of meeting the developmental needs of the countries to which aid was granted.

As Minister for Regional and Economic Development, Progressive Party leader Jim Anderton has more recently been instrumental in implementing an economic development programme in Nine in the wake of the 2004 hurricane.

The creation of a community of nations based on economic and social cooperation between all peoples, and the maintenance of a globally sustainable environment, are vital for the future viability of the planet. We see this as the most constructive approach to addressing the root causes of tension and conflict around the world.

In some situations, a Defence Force input may be an effective contribution, as it has been in Bougainville and the Solomon Islands. The skills, versatility, discipline and impartiality of Defence Force personnel make them uniquely valuable in certain particularly challenging roles...