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What standing instruction or practice, if any, governs whether and when the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade advises the Office of the Prime Minister that a foreign mission has lodged formal representations concerning the conduct or statements of a New Zealand Minister?

Answered Question 35393 (2026)
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Asked by

Vanushi Walters

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • What standing instruction or practice, if any, governs whether and when the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade advises the Office of the Prime Minister that a foreign mission has lodged formal representations concerning the conduct or statements of a New Zealand Minister?

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

MFAT seconds New Zealand diplomats into various roles in Parliament, including the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, and the Offices of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister for Trade and Investment, and the Minister of Climate Change. In terms of representations from foreign governments, MFAT informs these MFAT secondees on all matters they consider appropriate.