Consequences
The bombing of the Rainbow Warrior was a major event in the anti-nuclear movement. It was a consequence of the protests and led to even more protest and played a key part in helping the New Zealand public want the country to be nuclear free.
As a result of the New Zealand Nuclear Free Zone, Disarmament and Arms Control Act of 1987 legislation, New Zealand's relationships with other countries changed dramatically.
As a result of the New Zealand Nuclear Free Zone, Disarmament and Arms Control Act of 1987 legislation, New Zealand's relationships with other countries changed dramatically.
Relationships with other countries
International relationships were damaged as a result of New Zealand’s anti-nuclear legislation. The bombing of the Rainbow Warrior changed New Zealand's relationships with France, the United States and England. New Zealand retained resentment against the French and as a result, trade between the two countries suffered. New Zealand boycotted anything French, including French imports and similarly France boycotted New Zealand export. Prime Minister, David Lange said, “I want these people who are wanted on murder charges to be brought to justice. I want that done in New Zealand. I want then after that trial to have French Government culpability assessed in correction with the Rainbow Warrior itself.” One year after the Rainbow Warrior was bombed, United Nations Secretary General Javier Perez de Cuellar stated that New Zealand would be offered an apology from the French government and $13 Million as compensation.
As a result of the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior, it became clear where the United States and the United Kingdom stood as allies. New Zealand felt that the two allies did not do enough to prevent the bombing from happening or do enough to assist afterwards. This led to a lack of trust between the allies and increased support for a more independent foreign policy line.
New Zealand’s refusal of entry to ships that would neither confirm nor deny whether or not they were nuclear powered or carried nuclear arms caused a chill in relations between the United States and New Zealand. The United States felt that it was New Zealand’s duty, as part of ANZUS, to welcome their ships without questioning them. Under Muldoon’s government, the Prime Minister made sure this happened as he felt that the ANZUS alliance was what was best for New Zealand, although polls show that before the snap election, 58% of the country opposed the United States’ ship visits. After the change in government, the anti-nuclear legislation was passed and shortly after that the United States passed the Broomfield Act which downgraded New Zealand’s status from an ally to a friend. This was due to the anti-nuclear legislation and the refusal of ships that wouldn’t confirm that they were not nuclear powered or held nuclear arms.
As a result of the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior, it became clear where the United States and the United Kingdom stood as allies. New Zealand felt that the two allies did not do enough to prevent the bombing from happening or do enough to assist afterwards. This led to a lack of trust between the allies and increased support for a more independent foreign policy line.
New Zealand’s refusal of entry to ships that would neither confirm nor deny whether or not they were nuclear powered or carried nuclear arms caused a chill in relations between the United States and New Zealand. The United States felt that it was New Zealand’s duty, as part of ANZUS, to welcome their ships without questioning them. Under Muldoon’s government, the Prime Minister made sure this happened as he felt that the ANZUS alliance was what was best for New Zealand, although polls show that before the snap election, 58% of the country opposed the United States’ ship visits. After the change in government, the anti-nuclear legislation was passed and shortly after that the United States passed the Broomfield Act which downgraded New Zealand’s status from an ally to a friend. This was due to the anti-nuclear legislation and the refusal of ships that wouldn’t confirm that they were not nuclear powered or held nuclear arms.
Change in Government
In 1984, New Zealand was run by National Prime Minister Robert Muldoon. Muldoon decided to go to the polls early on 14 July, partially due to National Party member, Marilyn Waring. Marilyn Waring told the leadership that she would independently vote on the nuclear and disarmament issues but would continue to support the National Party in other issues, Muldoon did not take this information well as the National Party only had a one seat advantage above Labour. The next day on 14 June, Muldoon called for a snap election.
The increasing public opinion surrounding New Zealand going nuclear free was positive and many agreed with David Lange’s stance on the issue which led to Robert Muldoon losing the snap election due to his unpopular opinion.
The election was a disaster for National due to their stance on nuclear and disarmament issues. Labour swept into power with their policies that would establish New Zealand as a nuclear free country. This consequence occurred because of the anti-nuclear activists who had managed to gain support from a majority of the country. Labour now held 56 seats to National’s 37, this election has held the highest number of voters to date (93.7%) and many political scientists believe that this is because voters wanted change.
The increasing public opinion surrounding New Zealand going nuclear free was positive and many agreed with David Lange’s stance on the issue which led to Robert Muldoon losing the snap election due to his unpopular opinion.
The election was a disaster for National due to their stance on nuclear and disarmament issues. Labour swept into power with their policies that would establish New Zealand as a nuclear free country. This consequence occurred because of the anti-nuclear activists who had managed to gain support from a majority of the country. Labour now held 56 seats to National’s 37, this election has held the highest number of voters to date (93.7%) and many political scientists believe that this is because voters wanted change.
“My party has declared itself to be for a nuclear free New Zealand, and that means that we will not have nuclear weaponry in New Zealand, nor nuclear propulsion. That is not a declaration against the United States; it’s a declaration against nuclear weaponry and propulsion.” - David Lange, 1984 Leaders Debate