Cost of living issues are expected to dominate this weekend’s election in New Zealand, but the outcome could also determine whether Wellington maintains its cautious approach to US President Donald Trump or pursues a more independent foreign policy, analysts have said.
With the major parties locked in a close contest ahead of Saturday’s vote, the next government’s approach to Washington, as well as its defence priorities, could hinge on the smaller parties needed to form a coalition.
Robert Patman, a professor of international relations at New Zealand’s University of Otago, said a key issue at stake was whether Wellington would continue its so far unsuccessful “softly-softly” approach to the second Trump administration.