John Key

Wellington, Sept 27 NZPA - The Government is confident New Zealand can win a seat on the United Nations Security Council in 2015, and the opposition is backing them.

Prime Minister John Key used his speech to the UN General Assembly in New York this week to launch New Zealand's bid for a seat.

New Zealand has served on the council three times, most recently in 1993-1994.

There are five permanent members; United Kingdom, France, China, Russia and United States and 10 temporary representatives elected by member nations.

Trade and Conservation Minister Tim Groser said it would be a "massive amount of work" for New Zealand's bid to be successful.

"But, it's one of the things that New Zealand actually does extremely well... we have been very successful, over 20, 30 years on a bipartisan basis of getting New Zealanders into key positions."

New Zealand had the credibility for the role, he told TV One's Q+A programme.

"If you look at things like climate change and agriculture, trade and agriculture and the nuclear issue, yes I think it is fair to say that New Zealand does have some real influence.

"So, I'm pretty optimistic."

Labour foreign affairs spokesman Chris Carter said his party would support New Zealand's bid.

Labour announced plans to do the same when in government, he said.

"Labour will strongly support New Zealand's candidacy."

New Zealand had a strong history of independent foreign policy to back the bid, he said.

In his speech to the General Assembly, Mr Key said New Zealand took "very seriously" its responsibilities for creating and maintaining peace and security in the Asia-Pacific and around world.

"I am therefore pleased to confirm New Zealand's candidature for the United Nations Security Council for 2015-2016, in elections to be held in 2014."

Mr Key told reporters that only Spain announced its plan to stand for 2015 but "anything can happen between now and 2014."

However: "I'd like to think we have a good chance of getting there.

"It certainly gives us profile, and it helps New Zealand, and advances our causes if you like but it's also part of playing our role here in the United Nations and hopefully playing our part in making sure we live in a world that's more secure," he said.