Just Defence began in 1986 when the Government initiated a defence review, just prior to New Zealand formally becoming nuclear free. Called Just Defence, the organisation was a group of people interested in defence issues - drawing together ex-military people, peace activists, scientists and others.

Accepting that in the 1980s New Zealanders were not inclined to either pacifism or nuclear alliances, Just Defence promoted a practical and effective defence policy for New Zealand. That policy was guided by two key principles: ensuring a defence that was just, and designing armed forces and policies that were just for defence - not for aggression against any other people or nations.

Just Defence made a significant contribution to the ANZAC frigate debate which ended with the purchase of two rather than four frigates. The organisation’s views helped to shape the structure of the navy after the ANZAC frigates entered service, and were also influential in the decisions that led to the scrapping of the Airforce’s strike force.

Great power rivalry between the United States and China is growing, and the erratic behaviour of the United States that has up-ended the international rules based system. New Zealand is coming under sustained pressure to join AUKUS which is focussed on fighting a future war with China, and to buy new expensive frigates whose main function would be to help protect AUKUS carrier groups.

Just Defence has reactivated as it believes that the time is ripe for the public to actively engage in shaping a truly independent foreign and defence policy for Aotearoa/New Zealand.