New Zealand’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Phil Goff, has been dismissed from his role following controversial remarks about U.S. President Donald Trump at a London event. Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters announced the decision, citing a breach of diplomatic neutrality.
The Incident That Led to Goff’s Dismissal
Goff’s removal stems from comments made during a Chatham House event, where he questioned Trump’s understanding of history. While addressing Finnish Foreign Affairs Minister Elina Valtonen, Goff referenced Winston Churchill’s criticism of the 1938 Munich Agreement, stating:
“President Trump has restored the bust of Churchill to the Oval Office. But do you think he really understands history?”
The remark was widely interpreted as a critique of Trump’s foreign policy stance, particularly regarding Russia and Ukraine. Goff’s comments quickly circulated, drawing sharp reactions from the New Zealand government.
Government Response
Winston Peters, who oversees New Zealand’s foreign affairs, acted swiftly, stating that Goff’s remarks made his position “untenable.” Peters emphasised that diplomats are expected to align with government policies and refrain from expressing personal political opinions.
“When you are in that position, you represent the government and the policies of the day,” Peters said. “You’re not able to free-think, you are the face of New Zealand.”
Peters described the dismissal as “seriously regrettable” but necessary to maintain New Zealand’s diplomatic integrity. He also confirmed that he made the decision independently, without consulting Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. When questioned about this, Peters responded:
“I know he’s the prime minister. I made him the prime minister.”
Reactions
Goff’s removal has sparked debate among political and diplomatic figures. Former Prime Minister Helen Clark condemned the decision, calling it “a very thin excuse for sacking a highly respected former Foreign Minister.” She pointed out that similar historical parallels had been drawn at recent international security conferences.
Labour leader Chris Hipkins acknowledged that Goff “overstepped the mark” for a diplomat but sought to downplay the severity of the situation.
In contrast, former UK High Commissioner Sir Lockwood Smith defended the decision, arguing that Goff had crossed diplomatic boundaries.
“Our relationship with the United States is just too important for loose comment to cause problems,” Smith said.
Waikato University law professor Al Gillespie also supported Goff’s dismissal, noting that his role as a government representative required diplomatic restraint.
“It’s okay for me to say that as a professor of law,” Gillespie said, “But it’s not okay for Mr Goff to say that as a representative of New Zealand government.”
Goff’s Political Legacy and Future Prospects
A veteran politician, Goff served as an MP from 1981 to 2016, holding ministerial positions in foreign affairs, defence, and education. He was Labour Party leader from 2008 to 2011 and later served two terms as Auckland mayor before retiring from politics in 2022. He was appointed High Commissioner to the UK in early 2023 under the previous Labour government.
Goff has not publicly commented on his dismissal, and it remains unclear whether this marks the end of his long political career or merely a setback.
Diplomatic Implications for New Zealand
The controversy raises broader questions about diplomatic conduct and the boundaries between personal opinions and official duties. Goff’s removal sets a precedent for New Zealand’s diplomatic corps, reinforcing the expectation that envoys remain politically neutral, even in informal settings.
The decision may also have political ramifications for Winston Peters and the coalition government, as it draws attention to New Zealand’s current approach to international relations, particularly its stance toward the United States under Trump’s leadership.