Given New Zealand’s history with the nuclear power, it is unsurprising that it was neglected mention in the strategy document. Nuclear power was originally planned to supply 80% of Auckland’s needs by 1990, but as gas and coal sources were discovered all plans were abandoned by 1972. In 1976, the Royal Commission on Nuclear Power Generation in New Zealand was set up to inquire further into nuclear power. Its 1978 report stated that there was no immediate need for New Zealand to embark upon a nuclear power program, but suggested that early in the 21st Century “a significant nuclear programme should be economically possible.” Anti-nuclear sentiment was strong during this time as public submissions raised issues of nuclear weapon proliferation, vast cost of plant purchasing and maintaining, radiation, radioactive waste and disposal, and seismic activity. In 1987, the New Zealand Nuclear Free Zone, Disarmament, and Arms Control Act passed. Contrary to popular belief, this symbolic policy does not ban land-based nuclear power plants.
Nuclear power remains an option for New Zealand, using relatively small units of 250-300 MWe each, in power stations located near main load centres. A bolder initiative 
would be to build an 1800 MWe nuclear power station north of Auckland, using two or three larger units. However, nuclear power does not enjoy much public or political support. A 2008 survey found that only 19% of New Zealanders included nuclear when asked to choose the best energy sources for the country in the next 10 years. On the other hand, a 2005 survey of business leaders showed that 94% were concerned about future energy supply in New Zealand, and nearly two-thirds supported investigation of nuclear power.
New Zealand has shown itself interested in the principle of nuclear power rather than merely pragmatic considerations and has sought to project a clean, green image. It is one of the only developed countries without a research reactor, and instead relies on Australia’s Opal reactor for its supply of medical isotopes. Unable to depend on hydro power as much as earlier, having to retreat from using gas extravagantly for power generation, and coals environmental impact, New Zealand will find it increasingly difficult to avoid considering nuclear power.
Summarized below are the major objections to nuclear power in New Zealand
- Expensive to mine, mill and enrich uranium resulting in high pollution,
- Unsafe with accidents e.g. Chernboyl and Fukishima,
- Cost of maintaining – requires an expensive nuclear industry to develop,
- Fears of radioactivity,
- New Zealand’s seismic activity is a big concern for reactor safety,
- Proliferation of nuclear weapons – nuclear reactors would generate weapons grade uranium/plutonium.