The new US Ambassador to New Zealand has signalled interest in discussing the country's nuclear-free policy and says he would like to see American nuclear-powered warships visit New Zealand waters.
Jared Novelly, speaking to reporters for the first time at the ambassador's residence during US independence celebrations, told media he would welcome an opportunity to engage with New Zealand on nuclear policy. The ambassadorial post had been empty since January 2025.
"You need to see these things and realise that it's not some sort of boogeyman that you have to worry about," Novelly said of nuclear-powered vessels. He acknowledged it is not his role to change New Zealand law and said he had not seen appetite for changing the nuclear policy in his limited time in the country.
Novelly, a Republican donor selected by President Donald Trump, told reporters the nuclear issue was the first topic he was briefed about in his new role. He previously owned and chaired The Illawarra Hawks Australian basketball team.
Former Foreign Minister Phil Goff said the US had previously raised the nuclear policy discussion and New Zealand replied with a firm no both times. "We're proud of being nuclear free. It's part of our image, it's part of our value system," Goff said, adding New Zealanders are not about to change their minds on the policy.
Novelly also addressed recent polling from the Asia New Zealand Foundation in June showing more New Zealanders view China as a friend than the United States. "You know what you know about President Trump, and you know what you know about America because of the free press. That's not what you get in China. So I question the poll of whether you really know who your friends are," he said.