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While speaking at the Eightieth session of the United Nations General Assembly over the weekend, Foreign Minister Winston Peters announced that New Zealand would not be recognising a Palestinian state at this point in time. Peters' rationale was that Hamas's leadership in Gaza would make recognising Palestine an unwise move for New Zealand to make at this point, additionally stating that it could trigger a reaction from Israel that would lead to more aggressive policies in both Gaza and the West Bank, subsequently threatening the two state solution. However, with more than 40% of the New Zealand public expressing support for Palestinian recognition and for stronger action to be taken against Israel for their actions in Gaza, which the The United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory has officially referred to as a genocide, this decision by Peters' has been the subject of widespread controversy amongst activists, experts and a large portion of the general public. Additionally, despite claiming to take a more balanced and calculated approach to Israel's genocide in Gaza, Winston Peters' decision at the UN General Assembly has placed New Zealand within a small handful of western nations who have refused to recognise Palestine, with the United Kingdom, France, Canada and our close Ally Australia all announcing their recognition of Palestine shortly before. For our weekly catchup with the Green Party's Ricardo Menendez-March, Oto spoke to him about Foreign Minister Winston Peters' decision not to recognise Palestine at the UN General Assembly. They also spoke about the government's decision last week to resume oil and gas exploration across Aotearoa.
While speaking at the Eightieth session of the United Nations General Assembly over the weekend, Foreign Minister Winston Peters announced that New Zealand would not be recognising a Palestinian state at this point in time. Peters' rationale was that Hamas's leadership in Gaza would make recognising Palestine an unwise move for New Zealand to make at this point, additionally stating that it could trigger a reaction from Israel that would lead to more aggressive policies in both Gaza and the West Bank, subsequently threatening the two state solution. Aotearoa for Palestine, the organisers behind the march for humanity, have condemned Winston Peters' announcement, saying it was indicative of the government's complicity in Israel's genocide in Gaza and that the upcoming march across the Auckland harbour bridge will be held in opposition to the announcement, as well as to call for sanctions on Israel. Oto spoke with Heba Mortaja from Aotearoa for Palestine to discuss Winston Peters' UN Address and his refusal to recognise Palestinian statehood.
Donald Trump's proposed peace deal for Gaza is bringing some hope and optimism. The deal would end the war, and requires all hostages to be returned, Israeli troops to be pulled out of Gaza, and would allow Trump to lead an interim Government. It's being supported by our Foreign Minister Winston Peters as well as European and Middle Eastern leaders. The Economist Middle East Correspondent Greg Carlstrom told Mike Hosking it's good to see a serious proposal. He says it's an actual plan to end the war, unlike Trump's wild suggestion in February to depopulate Gaza and turn it into a beach resort. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
While speaking at the Eightieth session of the United Nations General Assembly over the weekend, Foreign Minister Winston Peters announced that New Zealand would not be recognising a Palestinian state at this point in time. Peters' rationale was that Hamas's leadership in Gaza would make recognising Palestine an unwise move for New Zealand to make at this point, additionally stating that it could trigger a reaction from Israel that would lead to more aggressive policies in both Gaza and the West Bank, subsequently threatening the two state solution. Aotearoa for Palestine, the organisers behind the march for humanity, have condemned Winston Peters' announcement, saying it was indicative of the government's complicity in Israel's genocide in Gaza and that the upcoming march across the Auckland harbour bridge will be held in opposition to the announcement, as well as to call for sanctions on Israel. Oto spoke with Heba Mortaja from Aotearoa for Palestine to discuss Winston Peters' UN Address and his refusal to recognise Palestinian statehood.
All eyes are on Hamas as Donald Trump gives it three or four days to respond to his proposed peace plan. The deal would end the war, see hostages returned, Israeli troops pulled out of Gaza, and Trump leading an interim Government. It's been supported by our Foreign Minister Winston Peters as well as European and Middle Eastern leaders. CBS Jerusalem correspondent Linda Gradstein told Ryan Bridge there's been very little indication of what Hamas will do. She says initial reports suggest Hamas is leaning towards accepting the deal, and they're under a lot of pressure from Qatar. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The government has announced their plan to repeal the Holidays Act in an effort to make the application of leave entitlements for workers easier to calculate — an issue which has been estimated to have resulted in more than $2 billion in remediation payments to workers for miscalculated entitlements. But critics including from Labour and the Greens say the changes will see some workers lose protections, especially when their hours defer from the traditional employment arrangement. Submissions on the Electoral Amendment Bill reveal that many New Zealanders believe the changes will disenfranchise voters and negatively impact democratic participation. The proposed changes in the bill include removing the ability to enrol on voting day, banning prisoners from voting, and disallowing the provision of food and drink at election booths. Over the weekend, Foreign Minister Winston Peters' announced that New Zealand does not officially recognise Palestinian statehood, going against the decisions of countries like Australia, the UK and Canada. Peters said that, at this stage, such a decision might legitimise Hamas, but that the government will take a ‘when, not if' approach to the issue. Wire Host Sara spoke with National MP Carl Bates about all of these topics, starting with the Holidays Act
The Prime Minister says New Zealand remains committed to the peace process in the Middle East. Foreign Minister Winston Peters has told the UN our Government won't be recognising a Palestinian state. Chris Luxon says we can't acknowledge a state whose de facto Government is the designated terror group, Hamas. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Peters delivered a 'well-argued and well-positioned speech' and New Zealand has always had its own foreign policy. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Labour leader Chris Hipkins has been quick to confirm his party would recognise Palestine as a state if Labour leads the Government after next year's election. On Saturday, while at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Foreign Minister Winston Peters announced New Zealand would not recognise the state of Palestine amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza between Israel and Hamas. Hipkins says Israel's actions are 'unacceptable' and not recognising Palestine sends Israel a message that New Zealand is okay with the 'unfolding genocide.' "New Zealand cannot stand by and cannot turn our backs on what's unfolding in Palestine. It is unfolding genocide, people are being starved to death." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The government has announced their plan to repeal the Holidays Act in an effort to make the application of leave entitlements for workers easier to calculate — an issue which has been estimated to have resulted in more than $2 billion in remediation payments to workers for miscalculated entitlements. But critics including from Labour and the Greens say the changes will see some workers lose protections, especially when their hours defer from the traditional employment arrangement. Submissions on the Electoral Amendment Bill reveal that many New Zealanders believe the changes will disenfranchise voters and negatively impact democratic participation. The proposed changes in the bill include removing the ability to enrol on voting day, banning prisoners from voting, and disallowing the provision of food and drink at election booths. Over the weekend, Foreign Minister Winston Peters' announced that New Zealand does not officially recognise Palestinian statehood, going against the decisions of countries like Australia, the UK and Canada. Peters said that, at this stage, such a decision might legitimise Hamas, but that the government will take a ‘when, not if' approach to the issue. Wire Host Sara spoke with National MP Carl Bates about all of these topics, starting with the Holidays Act
Winston Peters announced New Zealand's stance on Palestinian Statehood this weekend at the UN. We hear the talk around the beehive after Cabinet's decision to not recognise the state. We also discuss the funding of prisons and the upcoming announcement from Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on earthquake-prone building law rewrites, and how this will impact Wellingtonians and our businesses. Newstalk ZB political editor Azaria Howel joined Nick Mills for the Beehive Buzz. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on the Sunday Panel, resident economist at Opes Partners, Ed McKnight, and Newstalk ZB host Roman Travers joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Foreign Minister Winston Peters confirmed New Zealand wouldn't recognise a Palestinian state at this point in time. Are we surprised by this? The All Blacks managed to turn their luck around and beat the Wallabies 33-24 at Eden Park - and claim the Bledisloe Cup. But would it mean more if we won it over three matches? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Government has decided against recognising a Palestinian state at this stage. Foreign Minister Winston Peters made the announcement in a speech at the United Nations General Assembly yesterday, grouping New Zealand with a small handful of countries who have also decided not to make the move. He said as long as Hamas is the Gaza Strip's de facto government, there is no legitimate State of Palestine for New Zealand to recognise. Peters also laid out a list of conditions that would need to be met before New Zealand makes the move - like the release of all hostages, the renouncement of terrorism, and movement toward an actual democracy - among others. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Over the weekend, at the United Nations General Assembly, Foreign Minister Winston Peters announced that New Zealand would not formally recognise a Palestinian state. This follows weeks of the Government not explicitly laying out what their plans were regarding recognising Palestine, unlike countries such as France, the UK, Canada, and Australia, who all announced they would be recognising a Palestinian state. The government's decision to not recognise a Palestinian state has received criticisms from the opposition parties, international relations experts, and pro-Palestinian advocates. For our weekly catchup, News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, spoke to the ACT Party's Simon Court about the country's decision not to recognise Palestinian statehood. We also discussed the government overhauling the Holidays Act. The changes include a shift to hours-based accrual system for annual leave and a 12.5% Leave Compensation Payment for casual employees as opposed to accruing leave. Joel also spoke to Simon about this topic, specifically about its impact on casual and part-time employees. But first, we discussed the Government's decision not to recognise Palestine.
The decision not to recognise a Palestinian state puts New Zealand out of step with the likes of Canada, the UK and Australia. . Colin Keating is New Zealand's former permanent representative to the UN and was outspoken on its Security Council as the Rwanda genocide unfolded. He gives his assessment about what New Zealand's position could mean for its standing internationally. Keating says New Zealand could have made a difference in the longer term had it decided to recognise a Palestinian state. . Meanwhile, the Government argues the time is not right as fighting continues in the Middle East. “With a war raging, Hamas still in place, and no clarity on next steps, we do not think that time is now,” Foreign Minister Winston Peters said in his address to the UN General Assembly. . Join Jack Tame and the Q+A team and find the answers to the questions that matter. Made with the support of NZ on Air.
David Seymour believes a refresh of Pharmac's operations is benefiting New Zealanders. Its latest funding proposal includes five new medicines for breast cancer, multiple sclerosis, eye conditions, and lung cancer. The Associate Health Minister says a board and leadership change has worked well, and the next step is ensuring strong budget bids. Seymour told Mike Hosking that instead of Pharmac working within a set allocation, it will now go to the Finance Minister each year for funding. When it comes to recognising Palestine, David Seymour appears to be backing a more cautious approach to the thorny question. Foreign Minister Winston Peters is set to announce our decision at the UN General Assembly in New York on Saturday. Doing so would mean our country joins the likes of Australia, the UK, and France. Seymour told Hosking he has his own opinion on the matter but will support any Government position. He suggests some countries are jumping up and down for political theatre, but New Zealand will consider all the facts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Palestine's Deputy Foreign Minister has shared his view on what it means to recognise a Palestinian state. Foreign Minister Winston Peters will announce New Zealand's position on Saturday, at the United Nations general assembly in New York. At least 150 nations have recognised a Palestinian state, including France, Australia, Canada, and the UK. Omar Awadallah from the Palestinian Authority says it's about recognising the people, Government, and territory of Palestine. "You recognise the ideas, the principles upon which those people are acting." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on the Monday Wire: For our weekly catch-up with the ACT Party, News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host Joel spoke to MP Simon Court about the new school subjects set to be implemented into the new, proposed curriculum, and the drastic changes to art history and outdoor education. Producer Alex spoke with the University of Otago's Robert Patman about international support for Palestinian Statehood, and whether or not Foreign Minister Winston Peters will follow his Australian and Canadian counterparts. Joel spoke to the Children's Commissioner Dr Claire Achmad about the temporary pause of international adoptions, and what this means for children overseas. And Alex spoke with the University of Aucklands Helen petousis-Harris about the CDC reviewing vaccine recommendations and regulations under an anti-vax committee. Whakarongo mai!
Foreign Minister Winston Peters is off to New York today to attend the United Nations 80th anniversary meeting. He says it's a great opportunity to gather information from a broad range of New Zealand's partners on how they view and manage the major conflicts happening around the world. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has headed to New York for a conference on a Two State solution in the middle east, where debate over Palestinian recognition and statehood will take place during the 80th session of the UN General Assembly. As countries like Australia and Canada pledge support for Palestinian Statehood, alongside other countries that have either expressed intent or already done so, Peters has remained closed off as to whether or not New Zealand will join these ranks. Monday Wire Producer Alex spoke to the Professor of International Relations at the University of Otago, Robert Patman, about what these expressions of support for Palestinian Statehood mean in the long run, and what we can and should expect from Peters and the Government in this regard.
This week on the Monday Wire: For our weekly catch-up with the ACT Party, News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host Joel spoke to MP Simon Court about the new school subjects set to be implemented into the new, proposed curriculum, and the drastic changes to art history and outdoor education. Producer Alex spoke with the University of Otago's Robert Patman about international support for Palestinian Statehood, and whether or not Foreign Minister Winston Peters will follow his Australian and Canadian counterparts. Joel spoke to the Children's Commissioner Dr Claire Achmad about the temporary pause of international adoptions, and what this means for children overseas. And Alex spoke with the University of Aucklands Helen petousis-Harris about the CDC reviewing vaccine recommendations and regulations under an anti-vax committee. Whakarongo mai!
Foreign Minister Winston Peters will attend a UN General Assembly meeting where he will outline New Zealand's position on recognising a Palestinian state.
A security analyst's surprised the Chinese Embassy is taking such issue to one of its citizens being searched. It says a Chinese citizen was subject to an interrogation and harassment at a New Zealand airport - with their personal devices taken away. Foreign Minister Winston Peters says the embassy's statement is no risk to the NZ-China relationship. Security analyst John Battersby says there's some surface level tension on display. He says it does follow a threat environment report highlighting China, which it disputed. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Cabinet discussions are continuing over whether New Zealand will recognise the State of Palestine. A number of countries have said they'll recognise Palestine next week at a UN meeting. Chris Luxon says recognition is a complex issue and that there's a range of views to consider, and the Government will make its own decision on whether recognition is appropriate. The Prime Minister told Mike Hosking an announcement on the matter, won't be made today. He says the Government has always said it's a matter of "when not if" - Foreign Minister Winston Peters will have more to say on the matter in the coming weeks. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New Zealand First leader and Foreign Minister Winston Peters says Wellington's incoming council needs to bring the vibrancy back to the city. He spoke with Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings about how the city can be brought back to life, and offered his views on the current city leaders. Peters also discussed his party's compulsory Kiwisaver policy, and whether former Labour Minister Stuart Nash is likely to stand for NZ First at the next Election. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Last week, Defence Minister Judith Collins and Foreign Minister Winston Peters revealed plans to purchase almost $3 billion worth of US aircraft to replace the Defence Force's ageing 757s. The five MH-60R Seahawk helicopters involved in the purchase, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, would be procured directly through the United States' Foreign Military Sales programme. This week, a legal challenge against the disestablishment of Te Aka Whai Ora, the Māori Health Authority, will be heard in the High Court in Wellington. The case will be argued on the grounds that the government breached the Treaty of Waitangi and the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act when making the decision to disestablish the Māori Health Authority. And the Green party recently launched a petition calling on the government to restore adequate funding to Polytechnics and to reverse cuts to vocational education and training. For our weekly catchup with the Green Party, Oto spoke with MP Ricardo Menendez-March to get the party's take on all of these issues.
On Politics Thursday, Labour's Ginny Andersen and National's Mike Butterick discuss the new Official Cash Rate, and whether comments by Prime Minister Chris Luxon and Finance Minister Nicola Willis were appropriate. They also looked at the teacher strike, and whether Foreign Minister Winston Peters was right to remove Trevor Mallard as Ambassador to Ireland. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"The carnival's over". Those were the words of Foreign Minister Winston Peters who appeared to be celebrating Trevor Mallard's early exit as ambassador to Ireland. Mallard is being replaced by Angela Hassan-Sharp. Political reporter Russell Palmer spoke to Lisa Owen.
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has said Pacific nations and territories should not be told what to do by outsiders. His message comes ahead of the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in the Solomon Islands and follows a contentious gathering in Suva where regional leaders discussed culling international partners from next month's meeting.Teuila Fuata reports.
Earlier this week, Foreign Minister Winston Peters announced that the government would be announcing its position on the recognition of a Palestinian state over the next month. This announcement was made in the lead up to the UN general assembly in September, where world leaders such as the prime ministers of France and Australia promised to recognise a Palestinian state. Also this week, Green party Wellington MPs Julie Anne Genter and Tamatha Paul recently launched a petition calling for Māori place names to be restored to Wellington electorates after the Rongotai electorate was recently renamed to the English name Wellington Bays. And the latest Taxpayers' Union-Curia Poll was recently released, which showed that Labour had overtaken National as the largest party, gaining 2 points to 33.6 percent, while National' dropped 2.1 points to 31.8 percent. For our weekly catchup with the Green party, Oto spoke with MP Ricardo Menendez-March to get the party's take on all of these issues
Israel's rejected the UK's moves to recognise Palestine as a state at a UN meeting in September. The UK and France will both do so, unless Israel agrees to a ceasefire. New Zealand isn't among the 139 countries that recognise a Palestinian state, but last year Foreign Minister Winston Peters stated it's a question of when, not if. UK and Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey told Ryan Bridge Israel's rejected the move, stating it harms efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza. He says this comes amid huge pressure in Gaza, with 60 thousand now killed during Israeli action there. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Global condemnation of Israel is growing, over killing Palestinians and restricting aid. New Zealand is demanding a lasting ceasefire in Gaza, along with dozens of other countries. Foreign Minister Winston Peters told the House the international community's united in revulsion over what's happening Peters says having the European Union on board will build pressure - hopefully with success. He explained it's brought on by frustration countries have long been engaged in helping with the humanitarian crisis - with still no solution. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Government believes only a negotiated ceasefire offers the best hope in Gaza. Foreign Minister Winston Peters has signed New Zealand on to a long and growing list of nations calling for a permanent end to the conflict. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper speculates about the impact of this statement. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 22 July 2025, Sky TV chief executive Sophie Moloney tells Heather why she bought Three for $1. Foreign Minister Winston Peters says enough is enough in Gaza, but what will it really take to end the war? Reserve Bank Governor Neil Quigley gets a grilling after new claims about the events that led to ex-Governor's Adrian Orr's resignation. Why are we seeing such a huge rise in gym related injuries? Plus, the Huddle debates a new poll that suggests the Government will lose power at the next election - and NZ First voters are keen on Labour again. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The sitting week this week began with a Ministerial Statement from Foreign Minister Winston Peters. The House looks at the subsequent Q and A that followed. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
As a fragile ceasefire between Iran and Israel continues to hold for now, the government is working to get more than 200 New Zealanders out of the region, though some are trying to make their own way home in difficult and dangerous circumstances. New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters is urging them to hunker down and stay safe, as a New Zealand Defence Force Hercules makes its way to the Middle East to help bring them home. The almost two weeks of conflict and a temporary airport closure in Qatar has caused chaos at the borders and some frightening encounters for kiwi travellers. Some of the lucky ones landed safely back on New Zealand soil today. Mary Argue reports.
The Foreign Minister Winston Peters is again calling for a peaceful resolution to the Middle East conflict, saying diplomacy must come first, not last. Peters spoke to Corin Dann.
In today's episode, the Foreign Minister Winston Peters is again calling for a peaceful resolution to the Middle East conflict, saying diplomacy must come first, not last, the longest ad ever made in New Zealand will soon be aired, encouraging Maori to join the Maori Electoral Roll. The 30-minute ad features Tame Iti reading some of the names of the 300,00 people who are on the roll, "What is the point of regional government?" That's the question the regional development minister posed to a meeting of local government officials last week, US President Donald Trump has let loose the f-bomb in comments about the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran, and international carriers are cancelling or rerouting flights to and from the Middle East amid the conflict between Israel and Iran.
The United States says it has devastated Iran's nuclear programme, after its military bombed three nuclear sites on Sunday. The American military action comes only days after the US President Donald Trump said he was still deciding whether to step into the conflict between Israel and Iran. Foreign Minister Winston Peters spoke to Corin Dann.
Foreign Minister Winston Peters joined Mike Hosking this morning to discuss the developing situation in Iran. The Foreign Minister said he wants to “get a proper analysis” before discussing how effective Operation Midnight Hammer was at destroying Iranian nuclear facilities. “One of the first victims of war is truth, and boy, have we seen it.” The Foreign Minister also discussed the Kiwis stuck in the regions, and that it is “New Zealand character” to bring them home safely. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There's claims the Cook Islands were left in the dark over New Zealand pausing funding. Foreign Minister Winston Peters says a $20-million-dollar pot of development aid won't resume until trust is restored between our countries, who operate under a special relationship. Its Prime Minister signed a comprehensive strategic partnership with China, without giving New Zealand any insight on the deal. Cook Islands journalist Rashneel Kumar says the Government was caught off guard - and he explained that it has tried to ease fears the agreement with China may have caused. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The government says it's exploring its options for evacuating New Zealanders from Israel and Iran but it could be weeks before air space re-opens. Foreign Minister Winston Peters spoke to Corin Dann.
In today's episode, Foreign Minister Winston Peters speaks about plans to evacuate New Zealanders from Israel and Iran. Donald Trump is leaving open the possibility he'll step into the fighting between Israel and Iran. New Zealand has paused its core sector support funding for the Cook Islands after its government signed partnership agreements with China earlier this year. Magic mushroom drug psilocybin will soon be available for patients with treatment-resistant depression. And we cross to Australia for our weekly chat with Kerry-Anne Walsh.
On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 16 June 2025, Foreign Minister Winston Peters tells Kiwis in Iran and Israel to get away from the "arc of danger" but the ways out are limited. Are your sick leave entitlements on the chopping block? The Government walks back the PM's claim that the entitlement might soon drop from 10 to 5 days. Roles reversed? Heather gets a telling off from Finance Minister Nicola Willis. Plus, the Huddle debates whether National is turning out to be Labour in a blue jacket and the taste of tearless onions. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The UN is warning that 14,000 babies are estimated to be suffering severe acute malnutrition in Gaza - and ideally they need to get supplies within 48 hours. Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters spoke to Corin Dann.
New Zealand has given Vanuatu a further 10 million dollars to support Port Vila's recovery from the deadly 7.3 quake in December. Foreign Minister Winston Peters made the announcement while in the capital on his last stop of his week long Pacific trip. RNZ Grace Fiavaai has more.
The Foreign Minister says Pacific links with the United States are more important than ever. Grace Tinetali-Fiavaai has more.
Last week amid retaliatory tariff hikes between the US and China, the New Zealand Prime Minister made several calls to world leaders to discuss global trade. Foreign Minister Winston Peters took aim at this on Friday, pointing out that Christopher Luxon neglected to consult him about the calls. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
The former New Zealand High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Phil Goff was sacked from his job as a diplomat for publicly questioning Donald's Trump understanding of history. The Foreign Minister Winston Peters wasted no time sacking him saying he wasn't paid to "free think." Goff is doubling down on his criticism, likening President Trump to a school yard bully nobody challenges and accusing of him of lying about Russia's war on Ukraine. Phil Goff spoke to Lisa Owen.
An international relations expert said Foreign Minister Winston Peters has a difficult task ahead, as he heads into a meeting with his United States counterpart. It comes after Winston Peters meets with two other Trump officials, and discussions about the US's role in the Pacific. Political reporter Lillian Hanly filed this report.
Foreign Minister Winston Peters is in Washington DC ahead of his first face to face meeting with the new administration, a meeting with his counterpart Secretary of State Marco Rubio that Winston Peters himself says is "extraordinarily important". Political reporter Lillian Hanly spoke to Lisa Owen.