Defence Minister Chris Penk received no official advice related to his public comments about New Zealand's nuclear-free policies, according to an Official Information Act response.
Penk made comments in late May proposing that New Zealand discuss its nuclear-free policies. He told Bloomberg at the Indo-Pacific security and defence summit that such a discussion could be helpful.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon quickly shut down Penk's comments and ruled out any changes to New Zealand's nuclear-free status.
RNZ requested under the OIA any advice Penk had received on the nuclear policy issue. The Defence Minister's office confirmed no records were found within the scope of the request.
The comments came as Australia is scheduled to acquire three nuclear-powered submarines in coming decades under the AUKUS arrangement.