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Consistent with New Zealand's longstanding efforts to support the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), New Zealand is an active participant in the two key international counter-proliferation initiatives - the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI), and the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism (GICNT). These initiatives are voluntary, activity-based groupings that seek to advance national, regional and global capabilities to prevent the illicit movement of WMD, their delivery systems, and related materials to both state and non-state actors of concern. ‘Dual use goods’ that have peaceful, legitimate uses, but may also be used in WMD programmes are also covered by the PSI. Both the PSI and the GICNT are based on Statements of Principles. See the PSI Statement of Principle and the GICNT Statement of Principle (external links).
New Zealand joined the PSI in early 2004, and since then has been an active participant, including through our membership of the PSI's 20-strong 'Operational Experts Group' (OEG) - the guiding force behind the development of the Initiative. New Zealand hosted an international PSI exercise in September 2008, called Exercise Maru, and has hosted a meeting of the OEG (in 2007) as well as developing a number of practical tools to advance the Initiative's objectives.
The GICNT was launched by the US and Russia in 2006, with New Zealand joining the following year. The GICNT focuses on securing radioactive sources through both physical and regulatory means, preventing the illicit movement of radioactive sources, and enhancing preparedness to respond to and mitigate terrorist incidents involving nuclear or radiological materials. New Zealand has contributed to the GICNT by hosting a workshop for Pacific Island Countries to raise awareness of the importance of the security of radioactive material, and supporting radioactive source security work in Southeast Asia.
