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Does the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade have the authority to make decisions on United Nations votes without consulting the Minister, if so, in what circumstances?

Answered Question 33661 (2026)
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Asked by

Teanau Tuiono

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • Does the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade have the authority to make decisions on United Nations votes without consulting the Minister, if so, in what circumstances?

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

Yes. The United Nations General Assembly votes on hundreds of matters every year. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade generally makes decisions when they are procedural in nature or consistent with policy settings.