Ship visits and public opinion
The visit of the nuclear-powered frigate USS Texas in 1983 sparked protest in New Zealand. An election was just around the corner, and the issue of nuclear ship visits would play a prominent part in the campaign.
USS Buchanan refused entry to NZ
The New Zealand Labour government refused the USS Buchanan entry on the grounds that the United States would neither confirm nor deny that the warship had nuclear capability. David Lange’s government, elected in July 1984, had made clear its intention to pursue policies that would establish New Zealand as a nuclear-free country. This was a popular stand, and by the end of the year nearly 40 towns and boroughs had declared themselves nuclear-free. Labour announced its decision to ban ships that were either nuclear-powered or -armed.
Protest as USS Texas visits Auckland
The visit sparked anti-nuclear rallies on land and sea. Visits by nuclear ships became an election issue in 1984 and they were later banned by David Lange’s Labour government.
