Tova O’Brien: Luxon’s diplomacy challenges both at home and overseas

Saturday, 20 April 2024

Tova O’Brien is Stuff’s Chief Political Correspondent and host of the weekly political podcast, Tova.

ANALYSIS: There was no denying Dame Jacinda Ardern’s star power when she took New Zealand global.

The invitations to appear on late night television, the prestigious keynote addresses at institutions like Harvard, the major prime time interview slots with some of the world’s biggest news organisations.

Despite some early - and arguably misogynistic - commentary that she was a “part-time Prime Minister” for spending time out of the country, aka a big part of the job of Prime Minister, Ardern was roundly commended by friend and foe alike for her unrivalled ability to sell ‘Brand New Zealand’.

On his three-country tour of South East Asia, the now Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has been using his speeches to the world to not only pimp New Zealand but also undermine the previous administration - which was mostly led by Ardern.

Luxon’s been saying things like “ we are under new management” and “we are open for business”.

The politicking hasn’t gone unnoticed, the Chairman of Kiwi business and major exporter Comvita has asked the PM not to use such negative political language while travelling abroad.

At a lunch for the business delegation in Manila, Brett Hewlett said the language wasn’t helpful, that overseas relationships had been built over time by a series of people who should be acknowledged.

“New Zealand has never been closed for business,” he said.

Luxon has made a point of saying that he’s pushing himself and key ministers in foreign affairs, trade and defence to get out and see the world - and make sure the world sees us.

And in some cases, there was a repair job to be done.

The previous foreign minister Nanaia Mahuta was often criticised for being too homebound in a role which is traditionally spent much offshore.

When her Australian counterpart at the time Penny Wong was furiously island hopping to shore up support after China signed a security deal with the Solomon Islands, Mahuta was watching it all play out from home.

On the flipside, Winston Peters has relished climbing back into the diplomatic jump seat and has barely stood still before boarding the next flight.

The Prime Minister’s not taking the criticism on the chin, instead brushing it off saying, “I wouldn’t construe those comments in that way.”

Asked what the point of bringing a business delegation if he was not going to take on board feedback, Luxon said he talked to the business delegation “all the time”.

He said his comments were an “and” - “we're building on what's come from before.”

“We are just stepping up the intensity, with more ambition, as we know we've got fantastic businesses that have been doing great, a great job.”

Luxon’s at home speaking to crowds, talking a big game and convincing people to buy what he’s selling. All skills honed during his time in business.

But he’s also sometimes seemed fixated on a flailing Labour party, well after winning the election and taking over the 9th floor.

Diplomacy is far more subtle. And more transferable.

Good for the world stage and also increasingly required to keep the coalition home fires burning.

The Prime Minister’s public lashing of coalition partners David Seymour and Shane Jones has turned into a public row being fought through the media.

In response to Children’s Minister Karen Chhour being summoned to give evidence before the Waitangi Tribunal, Jones told Waatea News that the Tribunal has no business running its operations as some sort of “star chamber delivering summons for ministers to rock up and be cross-examined or grilled.'

Seymour followed suit accusing the Tribunal of “race fanaticism”.

Speaking to reporters in Manila, Luxon said he hadn't had the chance to speak to either minister but he wasn’t happy.

'Those remarks, I think are ill-considered. I think ministers need to exercise good judgement.'

It’s the strongest Luxon’s been yet in terms of setting the tone he expects of his government and showing his partners who’s boss.

But it didn’t go down well with Seymour who, in a masterful stroke of passive aggression, had both a crack at the PM for communicating private messages through the media while himself communicating private messages through the media.

“I’m surprised to hear this, if you have a concern about another leader’s comments you should raise them directly rather than through media, which is what I now intend to do,' Seymour said.

Diplomacy is fast becoming Luxon’s most required skill - both abroad and here at home.