NZ’s re-commitment to multilateralism has been underlined not only through John Key’s impressive performance at the UN but by the decision to throw its hat in the ring for a seat on the UN Security Council in 2014. It will be a tough lobbying campaign, and the Govt will probably call on eminent persons like former deputy PM Sir Donald McKinnon, exploiting his contacts in the role of Commonwealth Secretary-General, to canvass the 192 members of the UN. NZ and Spain are so far the only candidates for the 2 seats available to the 28-member Western European and Others Group voting bloc at the UN. Kevin Rudd’s decision to abandon an early agreement with NZ and Canada, and go for a WEOG seat in 2012, could be a frustration for NZ.

Three years ago the NZ, Aust and Canada Govts agreed to a phased campaign with Ottawa going next year for a WEOG seat in 2011-12, NZ in 2014 for 2015-16 and Aust later on. But Aust is now campaigning hard in New York, and observers say it is problematical whether the bulk of the UN’s members will support an unbroken line of CANZ members on the Council over the designated period. However NZ Ministers are pleased with the initial reaction NZ’s bid has received. The Key Govt recognises NZ as a small nation is genuinely dependent on multilateral organisations. Its history in opposing nuclear arms gives it credibility on the multilateral stage in the campaign against nuclear proliferation, currently at the centre of Obama’s focus as Iran and North Korean pursue their rogue nuclear ambitions.

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