Ministry Statements & Speeches:
Thank you, Chair.
New Zealand reaffirms its strong support for the Treaty on the Non Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons as the cornerstone of the global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime. We reaffirm that the credibility and durability of the NPT rest on balanced and effective implementation of all three pillars. The peaceful uses pillar continues to deliver tangible benefits for people, prosperity and the environment, while reinforcing shared responsibility for safety, security and non proliferation.
Chair,
The peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology continue to deliver significant benefits across a wide range of areas, including health, food security, water management, environmental protection and climate resilience. We recognise the important contribution that nuclear applications can make to sustainable development and to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. In this regard, New Zealand reiterates its strong support for the work of the IAEA.
Chair,
At the same time, we stress that the exercise of rights under Article IV must be accompanied by the fulfilment of corresponding obligations. Peaceful uses of nuclear technology must remain firmly underpinned by effective safeguards and by the broader non proliferation regime.
Given the dual use nature of nuclear technology, comprehensive, credible safeguards and effective export controls are indispensable for building international confidence. For New Zealand, a Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement, together with an Additional Protocol, represents the current verification standard.
Chair,
Nuclear safety and nuclear security are integral to the peaceful uses pillar and are essential enablers of international cooperation in this field. In this context, and as we reflected in more depth in our statement to Main Committee Two, New Zealand expresses deep concern at the risks to nuclear safety and security arising from the return of armed conflict to areas with nuclear facilities. Any comprehensive outcome of the Review Conference should reaffirm the prohibition of armed attacks against peaceful nuclear facilities.
Chair,
While New Zealand does not use nuclear energy, we recognise the right of States Parties to do so in accordance with Article IV of the Treaty. We emphasise that any expansion of nuclear power - including the development of new reactor technologies - must be accompanied by the highest achievable standards of nuclear safety, security and waste management.
As a coastal state, New Zealand continues to advocate strongly for the safe and secure maritime transport of radioactive material, and vigilance around introducing nuclear propulsion systems to civilian vessels. We support transparency, advance notification and meaningful dialogue between shipping and coastal states, and we encourage ongoing efforts to strengthen international nuclear liability arrangements so that the interests of non nuclear states are fully reflected.
Chair,
The evolving threat environment—including cyber risks and the potential malicious use of radioactive material—requires constant vigilance. New Zealand supports the IAEA’s nuclear security work, including through voluntary financial contributions, and stresses that effective security is a shared responsibility for all states, regardless of the scale of their nuclear activities.
Finally Chair,
We reaffirm our support for the work of the Vienna Group of Ten, including its recommendations on peaceful uses, nuclear safety and nuclear security, and commend these to the Conference for consideration.
Thank you, Chair.