I am not going to get into the whole NZ Nuclear Free debate, but would just like to say that NZ never stepped off the firing line by saying we didn't want Nukes in our country. After all it is our country and isn't it our right to make that decision whether it is right or wrong? And who decides it is right or wrong, the USA?
No matter what our stance was on the Nuclear issue, and I really don't think it made that much difference apart the US government being pissed that we didn't toe the line, we have always, and will continue to do our part no matter.
On an amusing note: Have you noticed the perspective shift?
When the US decides to act unilaterally against the wishes of it allies, it's "arrogant". When you do it, it's "courageous". Hehe. I love watching how perspectives change as you move around the world. Europeans call Americans "crude, vulgar, and arrogant". While we find their assumption of automatic (and as far as anyone can tell - completely unfounded) superiority and condecension, enfuriatingly rude and arrogant.
But...You know what? Only from a distance.
When Europeans visit over here they almost always go back talking about how friendly, open, and generous their American friends were. And when Americans visit Europe (assuming they get outside Paris) they are universally impressed by the genuine warmth, hospitality, and friendliness, of all the people they meet.
I love perspective.