Update: 2:30PM NEW Zealand has won a seat on the United Nations Security Council, eclipsing rivals Spain and Turkey in the first round of the secret ballot.
The UN’s 193 member states voted at the UN headquarters in New York on Thursday.
New Zealand, Turkey and Spain were competing for the two seats in the council’s “Western European and Others” group.
New Zealand scored an emphatic first round victory, securing 145 votes to Spain’s 121 while Turkey surprisingly lagged with 109.
Spain and Turkey then had to battle in two other rounds after failing to tally the 129 majority needed.
Spain eventually was victorious in the third ballot, earning 132 votes to Turkey’s 60.
It was a huge win and vote of confidence for New Zealand on the world stage.
The New Zealand delegation sitting in the UN’s General Assembly celebrated with handshakes and hugs when it was announced they were victorious.
New Zealand’s ambassador to the UN Jim McLay put his hands to his face.
Prime Minister John Key says the success is a victory for small states that make up half the United Nations membership.
“We have worked very hard on the bid for close to a decade because we believe that New Zealand can make a positive difference to world affairs and provide a unique and independent voice at the world’s top table,” he said.
“Our win proves small countries have a role to play at the UN and we are determined to represent the perspective of small states at the Security Council table.”
A seat on the Security Council gives nations a high-profile opportunity to weigh in on world issues and events.
There are 15 seats on the Security Council, which is charged with responsibility for world peace and stability.
In the other groups contesting council seats on Thursday, Malaysia, Venezuela and Angola won unopposed.
There are five permanent members, the US, Britain, China, France and Russia.
The 10 non-permanent seats rotate on two-year terms and are based on five regions.
The last time New Zealand held one of the non-permanent seats was 1994.
