Peters Seeks to Revive New Zealand’s Diplomatic Influence

Key Takeaways

• Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has visited 51 countries and spent 201 days offshore across his term, with 85 days and 182 political engagements in the past year alone.
• Peters believes his travel schedule is necessary to regain New Zealand’s reputation as a world leader and to make up for lost time under the previous government.
• The minister’s experience and energy have allowed him to navigate a demanding travel schedule, and he believes his work in foreign affairs is now drawing votes domestically.
• Peters plans to continue traveling, with upcoming visits to Kiribati and South America, and is focused on improving New Zealand’s trading relations and growing its presence on the world stage.

Introduction to Winston Peters’ Travels

Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has been on an impressive number of trips this year, visiting 31 countries on 12 separate trips and spending 85 days offshore. This brings his total to 51 countries and 201 days offshore across his term, with a staggering 511 political engagements. Despite his frequent appearances in the media, Peters’ travel schedule has been exhausting, with the minister admitting that he has spent half the year offshore. Peters’ travel program has been described as "extraordinary" by Victoria University of Wellington’s centre for strategic studies director David Capie, who believes it is befitting of the challenges New Zealand is facing in the world today.

Peters’ Critique of the Previous Government

Peters has been highly critical of the former Labour government’s efforts in his portfolio, stating that he inherited a neglected area and had to make up for lost time. He believes that the previous government did not prioritize foreign affairs, and that this has had a negative impact on New Zealand’s reputation on the world stage. Peters has also criticized the former Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta, who he believes was not given the support she needed to succeed in the role. Capie agrees that Mahuta was in a difficult spot, given that she also held the local government portfolio and was tasked with implementing the Three Waters scheme during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Regaining New Zealand’s Mojo

Peters believes that New Zealand needs to work hard to regain its "mojo" and become a world leader once again. He points out that New Zealand was once regarded as a world leader, but that this reputation has been lost in recent years. Peters believes that his travel schedule and efforts to engage with other countries are essential to regaining this reputation and making New Zealand a major player on the world stage. He also believes that his experience and age have given him an advantage in his role, as he is able to draw on his years of experience and knowledge to navigate complex diplomatic situations.

The Curiosity Effect

Peters’ age and experience have also given him a unique advantage in his role, as he is able to inspire curiosity and interest from other world leaders. He believes that his energy and charisma have allowed him to connect with other leaders and build relationships that are essential to New Zealand’s success on the world stage. Peters points out that many of the leaders he meets are younger than him, and that they are often curious about his experiences and knowledge. He believes that this "curiosity effect" has been a major factor in his success as Foreign Affairs Minister, and that it has allowed him to build strong relationships with other countries.

Domestic Impact of Foreign Affairs

Peters believes that his work in foreign affairs is now having a direct impact on domestic politics, with foreign affairs becoming a major issue in the upcoming election. He believes that people are starting to realize the importance of foreign affairs and the impact it can have on New Zealand’s economy and security. Peters points out that he has worked closely with other ministers, including Trade Minister Todd McClay and Defence Minister Judith Collins, to promote New Zealand’s interests and build relationships with other countries. He believes that every dollar spent on foreign affairs delivers dividends down the line, and that countries that invest in foreign affairs are more likely to succeed in the long term.

Future Plans and Priorities

Peters is not slowing down, with plans to visit Kiribati and South America in the coming months. He believes that South America is a key region for New Zealand, and that trade progress has stalled for too long. Peters is committed to working with McClay to improve New Zealand’s trading relations and grow its presence in the region. He also believes that foreign affairs will only become more complicated and important in the future, and that it is essential for New Zealand to be proactive and engaged on the world stage. With his experience, energy, and charisma, Peters is well-placed to continue making a major impact in the world of foreign affairs.