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Does he consider that statements made by a Minister in the House about another country can be a matter of concern for the New Zealand Government even where the Minister was speaking in a party capacity; if so, what action, if any, has the Government taken in respect of the remarks made on 29 July 2026?

Answered Question 35292 (2026)
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Asked by

Vanushi Walters

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • Does he consider that statements made by a Minister in the House about another country can be a matter of concern for the New Zealand Government even where the Minister was speaking in a party capacity; if so, what action, if any, has the Government taken in respect of the remarks made on 29 July 2026?

Answered by

Rt Hon Christopher Luxon

Member for Botany · National Party · Prime Minister

Answer

Yes, paragraph 2.56 of the Cabinet Manual refers to standards for Ministers that are applicable in all their roles, always. All Ministers are accountable to me for their behaviour, and it is up to me to determine how to respond to a Minister’s behaviour. I have made clear my views about the statement.