Why is the New Zealand Foreign Minister his wife? Politics News

Wellington, New Zealand – Nanaia Mahuta was only 11 years old when she appeared in favor of her political beliefs.

Mahuta was one of 30 students on the island of a Maori and Pacific school for an Anglican girl, and the South African rugby team was touring New Zealand, dividing the country in the process.

Although the school girl had no idea that it would be one of the biggest civil incidents in New Zealand history, she was unable to take what her school offered to host a group of South African students in her womb – a decision she considered valid apartheid.

Rather than “deal with it,” he jumped to school in protest.

“As a Maori woman there is an embedded sense of social justice and she strives for equal opportunities and the advancement of indigenous peoples,” she told Al Jazeera.

“If you grew up in a Māori community, you would be abused and endured at an extreme level – racism.”

The daughter of Sir Robert Te Kotahitanga – the adopted son of the Maori king Koroki – Mahuta grew up helping her father in the negotiation of key treaties.

He has spent almost half his life in Parliament, the first time he won a seat at the age of 26.

In 2016, she became the first woman to show a moko kauae (sacred facial tattoo) in the Mahuta Parliament, and last year she got another first – she became the first foreign minister in New Zealand.

The appointment of the 50-year-old man was unexpected, according to political commentator Ben Thomas.

“Foreign ministers are often seen as a‘ golden clock ’for long-term service, or given as a benefit to friends and allies,” he said. “Mahuta doesn’t fit into that category and it doesn’t make sense [the prime minister] he owes her nothing. “

He is seen as a Mahuta-like character and, although he has lived in politics for a long time, he has never been in the spotlight. Neither ego and ambition have defined his career, unlike his predecessors or politicians in general, Thomas says.

The post of foreign minister, in addition to his responsibilities to the local government and the Maori, also came as a surprise to Mahuta.

Although she previously held associate portfolios of trade and exports in the government of Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Mahuta focused on domestic issues as a cabinet minister for local governments and Maori development.

Thomas said former foreign ministers have “traditionally spoken out loudly” about human rights, but have been tough on trading partners, especially since the country’s largest free trade agreement with China in 2006.

‘Real deal’

Mahuta made waves internationally by joining Australia, Canada, Britain and the United States to condemn the disqualification of pro-democracy politicians He questioned the repression carried out by Beijing in a territory that guaranteed great freedoms and autonomy in Hong Kong and in 1997 when he returned to Chinese rule.

Also, the arrest of opposition leader Alexey Navalny in Russia and disrupted high-level bilateral relations with Myanmar in response to the February 1 military coup, New Zealand did not “recognize the legitimacy of a military-led government”.

But last month, Mahuta’s comments about the “Five Eyes” intelligence alliance sparked eyebrows. he would not let the US-led alliances promise New Zealand’s bilateral relationship with China.

While acknowledging that China and New Zealand may have disagreements, in an April speech at the New Zealand China Council he said the country should have “respect” for one of its main trading partners.

“There will be some areas that are useful for coordination through the five eye platform; but there will be other areas – human rights for example – we want to look at building a broader coalition of countries to take positions on issues of common interest, ”he told Al Jazeera.

“[A]at times we work with a larger group; at other times, we meet with one or both other similar partners; and sometimes we make our statements. ”

Labor politician Paul Eagle went to university with Mahuta where he was pursuing a master’s degree in social anthropology and Maori business development. They are relatives and both are Tainui of the same tribe.

Mahuta, seen here in Australia, has its main origins in domestic problems and was previously the Maori Minister of Development and Local Government [File: Bianca De Marchi/Pool Photo via AP Photo]

Eagle warns that Mahuta has always taken on people-focused portfolios and that his ability to withstand conflict and maintain relationships is the key to his success.

“What you see is what you get,” he said. “People often underestimate him, but he’s incredibly intelligent and strategic. He’s the real deal.

“While other politicians have come and gone, Nanaia has suffered many storms and managed to get people into the process.”

Experts say Mahora’s Maori face could also be a source of wealth as a foreign minister.

He is accustomed to arguing for the weakest side Waitangiko ituna, or replaces the Māori caucus – a minority in the ruling Labor Party, and has improved bargaining power.

“Everything that has been achieved must be done through diplomacy and he is not as excited as his predecessors who pledged to achieve peace and Pacific dominance in the Middle East,” Thomas said.

“One of the defining characteristics of New Zealand is its own relationship with indigenous people. Since everything is the same and outside of tokenism, I think it’s an advantage to have a Maori woman representing the country at the world table. ”

No compromise

Mahuta says he didn’t expect to get such a significant portfolio so soon, but he appeared “happy” with the job.

“If I could offer something, it would be to use a two-culture basis and context to influence foreign policy,” he said. “I hope to elevate these relationships to achieve greater cohesion and prosperity for future generations.

“As a young and mature nation, we have the opportunity to show how hope has shaped the path to a more inclusive society. [of Waitangi] discourse and experience. Much of our history is born out of conflict and any gain has been hard fought and incremental. I think we can offer that journey and learn from it – not as a solution, but as an evolving process. ”

For example, it refers to the revival of the Maori language.

Where New Zealand once wanted to eradicate the language completely and when assimilation was thought to be the best practice, Maori language is now embedded in schools and public environments and is part of the fabric of New Zealand’s identity, he says.

It was only in 1879 that the Maori were given the right to vote.

In the current parliament, 15 of the 120 delegates – known to the family as the “First 15” – are Maori, and the house is more diverse than ever, he says.

As a local government minister, Mahuta wants to expand Maori representation in local municipalities with his “Maori court” policy. The government will help municipalities that want to establish a detailed representation of Maori by repealing the law that allows decision-making. vetoing the referendum.

Mahuta was the first woman to show a moko kauae (sacred facial tattoo) in Parliament [Sasha Borissenko/Al Jazeera]

“Having a representation of Maori where their voices and views can be taken into account has been embedded in the local government sphere and in the private sector,” Mahuta said. “The representation of the Maori has led to inclusive strategies across the board.”

Ruahina is the Director General of Women’s Refugee Albert Waikato.

He first met Mahuta 30 years ago when the shelter was just a two-bedroom unit in Hamilton, a city on the North Island of New Zealand.

“When he met us in the 90s we weren’t sure who he was, but he surprised us with how compassionate, helpful and bubbly he was,” Albert said.

Twenty-five ministers have visited the premises for 36 years but Mahuta says it has been the most effective.

Mahuta served on the board for three years before being appointed minister, and Albert hopes to return after leaving Parliament.

“We work in the face of sexual violence and domestic violence. We’re a tough bunch and we don’t get much out of it. We don’t trust the government but we trust it.

“I think his heart is with his people and his community. He’s clear about what he’s going to do and what he’s not going to commit to. You always have these conflicts when you’re working in a system, but I don’t see his country or country in danger. His heart and his future yes “.