New Zealand has barred nuclear-powered ships and vessels carrying nuclear weapons since the mid 1980s, and since the US neither confirms nor denies the existence of nuclear weapons on board its vessels, no American warship has docked there since that time.
The port visit will most likely be a group sail into Auckland Harbor from August 17-21, according to the New Zealand Navy’s 75th anniversary website. Military officials are saying that the visit could indicate improved relations between the two countries, particularly if New Zealand lifts all restrictions on American vessels.
A Pentagon official familiar with internal discussions around the visit said, "It’s an important step, it's progress, but this isn’t going to be a regular occurrence until port visits can be conducted without restrictions."
The US Navy has not changed it policy on nondisclosure as it pertains to nuclear materials on its ships, and one Navy official said the visit will happen on what is essentially a “don’t ask, don’t tell" policy. The official remarked, "The Government of New Zealand did not ask us for those details and the US has not changed its policy in that regard."
Notably, a destroyer will likely be the type of vessel used for the visit, and it has been decades since US destroyers have carried nuclear weapons. The US Navy has not yet officially named the ship that will make the voyage.
Relations between the United States and New Zealand have improved since China began land reclamation projects on islands in the disputed areas of the South and East China Seas. In 2012, New Zealand began participating in the biennial Rim of the Pacific Exercise and currently is operating with the RIMPAC group, which carries out maritime military exercises.
Years of visits from high-ranking US Navy officials, including a May visit by Navy Secretary Ray Mabus, have improved communications between Washington and Wellington. In 2014, former US Pacific Command head Adm. Sam Locklear visited to discuss military-to-military engagements. Third Fleet commander Vice Adm. Nora Tyson visited in March of that year as well.
Historically, New Zealand and the United States have strong ties. The South Pacific country aided America in both 20th century World Wars, and more recently has sent troops to Iraq and Afghanistan. Wellington is also one of the so-called Five Eyes group, an international secret surveillance network that includes the US, the UK, Canada and Australia.
