New Zealand has a chance to become the first country globally to impose a complete ban on the exportation of weapons and ammunition. At present, New Zealand exports arms to nations that are directly implicated in human rights crimes and, even more concerning, are actively involved in conflicts.
The rate of NZ's arms exports is already 20% higher than it was during the corresponding period last year. Over the past three years, New Zealand has exported arms to several countries, including:
- Russia;
- Philippines;
- Israel;
- China;
- Turkey;
- USA; and
- Kyrgyzstan.
In 2022, the total value of arms exports was less than 5 million NZD.
Enforcing this ban, therefore, would not have a significant impact on New Zealand's economy, while contributing to reducing harm on a global scale.
To sign the petition, simply enter your first name, last name and email address at https://petitions.parliament.nz/895c5e0c-736c-4177-96e7-08dbd869f447. All information remains confidential on the New Zealand Parliament website and will not be publicly disclosed.
To view export destinations and the value of exports, follow these steps on Stats NZ's Infoshare platform:
A ) Over the past 3 years, NZ exported arms to the following countries: - Russia; - Philippines; - Israel; - China; - Turkey; - USA; and - Kyrgyzstan
Enter - https://infoshare.stats.govt.nz/
From the folder diagram select in this order: 'Imports and Exports' > 'Harmonised Trade'. This will take you to a new Variable screen.
In the Country pane, add the countries listed in the top box
In the HS Code pane, add number 93. Then press go. This will take you to a new view - 'select data options'.
Click the 'Annual' radio button in the 'Select aggregation option'.
Highlight 2022, 2021, and 2020 together by holding the 'ctrl' button on your keyboard. Then click go
You will now see that NZ has exported a certain dollar value to all of the above listed countries.
B ) In 2022, the total value of arms exports was less than 5 million NZD.
Follow step 1 above
Follow step 2 above.
Leave the Country pane empty.
Follow step 4 above.
Follow step 5 above.
Select only 2022 in the year pane. Then click go.
You will see that the total dollar value is roughly $4.8mil NZD.
The following is a screenshot to demonstrate that NZ is selling more arms in 2023 than it did previously.
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