The appointment as Foreign Minister of controversial leader of the
New Zealand First Party, Winston Peters, has sent bloggers into a spin:



So Winston Peters is to be Foreign Minister?
The only foreign policy experience that he has is getting into stoushes
with immigrant taxi-drivers. One should be thankful for small mercies
however – instead of getting drunk at public expense, he will now do so
at the expense of other countries. – Metcalph’s blog

The Dominion Post
editorial reminds us of how in 2002 Clark said New Zealand diplomats
would be working to distance the Government from Mr Peters’ “very
damaging” views on immigration, especially from Asia yet now has placed
Peters in charge of our foreign policy. Personally I look forward to
Peters as Foreign Minister telling us what he will do to support a free
trade agreement with China. – David Farrar

Let’s
be clear: Parliament’s numbers made it a reality that Peters would have
to be involved in Government – and there is little to suggest he is
betraying those who voted for him, considering the concessions he has
won, which include more police, a higher minimum wage and more care for
the elderly. – Philosophically Made

In
a world where John Bolton can become the US ambassador to the United
Nations, having Winston Peters as New Zealand’s foreign affairs
minister makes perfect sense. It’s not that Peters is a xenophobe – he
will say anything he thinks will shore up his support among his
remaining aging and deluded base of fearful white males and their
blue-rinsed wives. – nga korero o te wa

The
question is why Labour is willing to shoot itself not only in the foot,
but also in the shin, kneecaps and stomach in this manner? – Public Address

We’re
a tiny nation down the ar*e end of the world. We’re entirely dependant
on trade, and rely totally on allies for defence. It is vitally
important that our Minister of Foreign Affairs is accorded the respect
needed to accomplish our goals on the world stage. – A (sometimes) considered rant

We
all knew Winston would sell his soul for power and the media spotlight
– but really, even his own electorate didn’t want him this time round.
– Kiwi Opinions

And
isn’t it interesting how even the Hard Labour bloggers have been rather
unamused about their Government, the one that’s been Frankensteined
together with a wish, a prayer and a load of messy promises. – Not PC