Russia's invasion of Ukraine has pushed New Zealand closer to NATO, the foreign minister says, as Prime Minister Chris Hipkins considers attending this year's summit of the military alliance's leaders.
Like his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese, Mr Hipkins has been invited to travel to the 2023 NATO Summit in July, in Lithuania's capital Vilnius.
Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta travelled to Brussels last week to attend the NATO foreign ministers' meeting, alongside fellow Asia-Pacific Four (AP4) countries Australia, Japan and South Korea.
Those four partners share similar concerns of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and their participation on NATO's fringe is designed to stay abreast of the war.
"We have to acknowledge that NATO plays a very important role in world security," Mr Hipkins said.
"We remain, as I've always said, independent in our foreign policy and that will continue to be the case, but we will continue to work with like-minded countries."
New Zealand has previously engaged with NATO, with John Key making a formal visit to the organisation in 2021 and Helen Clark also attending an Afghanistan-centred summit in 2008.
However, that engagement stepped up following Russia's aggression, with Jacinda Ardern attending the annual summit in Madrid last year, alongside Mr Albanese.
Ms Mahuta also attended the NATO foreign ministers' meeting last year, albeit virtually, confirming the increased Kiwi presence.
Asked whether NZ's participation in the collective security alliance was now a norm, Ms Mahuta suggested the Ukraine conflict had forced its hand.
"New Zealand recognises the regional implications of a war in Ukraine and what might happen in our own region," she said.
"So we need to stay connected to members of the international community who are facing the immediate impacts of war in their region and then outline ... what are the potential consequences for us here?
"That is why we can remain engaged."
Her comments echo those of Ms Ardern at last year's summit, when she spoke of the need to defend Ukraine.
"We stand alongside those who share our same values. And here I want to acknowledge the leadership shown by NATO," she said.
It remains to be seen whether Mr Hipkins will prioritise the invitation to meet with NATO leaders over other priorities.
He is expected to travel to Australia around Anzac Day to announce changes to trans-Tasman rights and citizenship, as brokered by former prime minister Jacinda Ardern.
He is also expected to attend the King's coronation in London and has flagged the possibility of visiting Beijing on a trade mission.
"My international travel program won't be massive, and so I'm just working my way through that," he said.
"There are some strategically important things for New Zealand (including) trade. We've got two reasonably significant trade agreements where we're aiming to get them over the final hurdles this year."
NZ concluded negotiations for free trade deals with the United Kingdom and European Union last year but both are yet to enter into force.
