Auckland. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has described comments made by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters about Green Party MP Lawrence Xu-nan as “racist”, “outrageous” and “completely inappropriate”, but says he still has confidence in Peters as Foreign Minister.
Speaking to reporters in Tauranga, Luxon said Peters’ remarks were offensive and crossed the line, agreeing that they could be described as racist.
“Lawrence Xu-nan is a full equal Kiwi — as much a Kiwi as Winston Peters — and he deserves the same right to speak in Parliament,” Luxon said.
Peters, the New Zealand First leader, had sparked controversy after telling Chinese-born New Zealand MP Xu-nan to “go back to your own country” during a heated parliamentary exchange.
The comments drew criticism from across Parliament, with opposition parties calling for Peters to be removed as Foreign Minister. Former prime ministers Helen Clark and former National leader Don Brash also backed calls for his dismissal.
However, Luxon rejected those calls, saying Peters had been effective in his role as Foreign Minister despite the controversy.
“He’s been successful as a Foreign Minister,” Luxon said, while accusing Peters of using provocative language to gain attention.
“He’s a career politician. He’s been there for more than 40 years. He knows exactly what he is doing.”
Luxon also played down concerns about the impact of Peters’ comments on New Zealand’s relationship with China, saying the relationship remained strong despite previous disagreements between Peters and the Chinese ambassador.
“He has had many spats with the ambassador over many years, but the relationship between New Zealand and China is in good heart,” Luxon said.
The Prime Minister said the country was now entering election campaign mode and urged voters to think carefully about their choices.
He also defended immigration, saying migrants who came to New Zealand legally had made significant contributions to the country.
“People come here, leave everything behind, work hard, build businesses, raise families and contribute to New Zealand,” Luxon said.
The controversy comes as political parties prepare for the upcoming election, with immigration, foreign relations and social cohesion expected to become major campaign issues.
