This was also an issue at the time the legislation was debated.
Regarding the US's longstanding Neither Confirm Nor Deny policy, there
are other means to be quite sure that a particular ship or plane in NZ
is not carrying nukes. For one, since the US is justifiably concerned
about nuke security there are strict regulations regarding (among other
things) the minimum number of outside perimeter guards on duty at all
times. So, no extra guards means no nukes, without anyone having to
deny anything.
And regarding the PM's required sign-off, it motivates the PM be very
sure indeed that the legislation is followed, rather than trying to
blame a violation on some faceless government department or anyone else.
> However I am pleased it is here, we need to maintain our relationship with the
> USA.
If they offer tours of the ship and you're in the neighbourhood then go
see it; you will be impressed. And BTW, part of nuke security is to
never invite randos to tour a nuke armed vessel.
Quite funny indeed.
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