But that door was later slammed shut by Mahuta.
"I'll be really clear, we're not contemplating joining AUKUS," she said.
Not only would AUKUS clash with our nuclear-free laws, but also the country's nuclear-free Pacific policy. It's a club we'd have to sell our soul to join."
She's established the price, now it's down to haggling.
TBH: I don't see how it is in NZ's interest to be a part of that.