ABSTRACT
Any consideration of the maritime security dimension of a single state raises multiple issues. A consideration of the maritime security dimensions of two states expands that consideration considerably. In the case of Australia and New Zealand there are, however, connecting threads which make that consideration not only possible but also sensible. Evans and Grant argued in 1995 that ‘Australia and New Zealand are as close as two countries that almost became one could be’,1 and whilst there have been some emerging distinctions between the two countries over the past decade, principally as a result of Australia’s growing multiculturalism, the historic and contemporary political, economic and social ties remain as strong as they have ever been.2 Australia and New Zealand have a long history of close economic integration, and in early 2009 these mutually shared interests were once again highlighted by the conclusion of the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA),3 reflecting the joint trading interests of both countries with South East Asia.4
