Labour leader Chris Hipkins has formally ruled out any potential cooperation with New Zealand First at the upcoming election. This decision follows remarks made by New Zealand First leader and Foreign Minister Winston Peters, who told Lawrence Xu-Nan to go back to his “own country” during a parliamentary session last week. According to 1News, the Chinese government has officially expressed concern over the comments, which Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has acknowledged as racist.
Hipkins labels Foreign Minister role untenable
In an interview with RNZ, Hipkins stated that Peters’ position as Foreign Minister is no longer viable. “He’s making international headlines for all the wrong reasons. He can’t continue in that job, he can’t credibly represent New Zealand on the world stage,” Hipkins said. The Labour leader emphasized that his stance is consistent with his position before the last election, noting that nothing has changed to make a partnership with New Zealand First more likely. Hipkins also cited recent comments made by New Zealand First’s Shane Jones regarding Indians as further evidence that the party’s behavior is incompatible with the government he intends to lead.
Winston Peters and Prime Minister Luxon respond
Winston Peters dismissed the announcement, noting in a social media post that he had already ruled out working with Labour 12 months ago. He also criticized media reporting on the matter. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, speaking to media, stated he has already made his position on the conduct clear, though he maintained that the behavior of members in the debating chamber is the responsibility of the speaker of the house. Regarding the diplomatic impact, Luxon stated that New Zealand’s relationship with China remains “in good heart” and is in a “strong place.” While Luxon confirmed he has spoken to Peters about the incident, he refused to disclose the details of that conversation or specify if he expressed disappointment.
Future political implications and coalition stability
The controversy has drawn in other political parties, with Opportunity Party leader Qiulae Wong stating that her party would not support a government that had Peters as foreign minister. Prime Minister Luxon has declined to comment on whether he would have Peters as foreign minister again if he won the election, labeling such questions as “hypothetical,” nor would he be drawn on questions about the risk to coalition stability if Luxon were to discipline or try to fire Peters.
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