Luxon condemns Peters’ remarks as racist but keeps him as foreign minister
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has criticised Winston Peters' comments about a Chinese-born MP as racist but expressed confidence in him remaining as foreign minister.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has condemned Foreign Minister Winston Peters' recent comments about a Chinese-born MP as racist and offensive. However, Luxon has stated he will not sack Peters and continues to back him in his ministerial role. Peters has refused to apologise for the remarks, which attracted international attention and diplomatic criticism. Luxon says the matter is ultimately for voters to judge.
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Coverage across the news outlets we track, as at publication.
What outlets are saying
Stuff
Luxon calls Winstonâs remarks âracistâ (but still backs him as foreign minister)
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is expressing confidence in Winston Peters as his foreign minister and wonât sack him. He adds heâs ânot worriedâ about âspatsâ with China.
RNZ
Luxon backs Peters as foreign minister despite 'very offensive' comments
The prime minister has accused the NZ First leader of 'playing a game' with immigrant comments.
NZ Herald
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says Winston Petersâ comments about Chinese-born MP were racist
Winston Peters has denied that his comments about a Chinese-born MP were racist.
Otago Daily Times
Luxon to talk to Peters about 'racist and offensive' remarks
1News
Luxon plans chat with Peters about 'racist' remarks 'at some point'
The PM said he hadn't reached out to his Foreign Minister as they were both "on the road," despite the remarks gaining international attention and diplomatic pushback.
The Spinoff
I get it, Prime Minister, I wouldnât want to call Winston Peters either
The prime minister had a bad weekend. It didnât get any better during his regular Monday morning chat with RNZâs John Campbell. Christopher Luxon had a bad weekend. While the rest of us were working or relaxing, the prime ministerâŠ
RNZ
Luxon speaks to Peters about 'racist' tirade: 'That's a conversation between us'
The prime minister has spoken to his foreign affairs minister about Winston Peters' tirade towards a Chinese-born MP, but refuses to say what exactly was discussed.
Stuff
âLetâs not get caught up in the small thingsâ – Nat MPs grilled over Peters remaining Foreign Minister
Is it OK to have a foreign affairs minister who says racist things, according to the Prime Minister? We ask Nationalâs MPs as they arrive at Parliament.
Stuff
We asked the PM if it's farcical to say the Foreign Minister's been racist and keep him. Here's what he said
Luxon has condemned Peters remarks as racist – but in the next breath expressed confidence in him as foreign minister. He says itâs now over to voters.
1News
Peters refuses to apologise for 'racist' remark after PM meeting
The Foreign Minister attracted a firestorm of criticism last week after telling the Greens' Lawrence Xu-Nan to "go back to where you've come from".
Newstalk ZB
âIâm not apologisingâ: Winston Peters stands by âracistâ comments
Foreign Minister Winston Peters says he will not apologise for comments that Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is condemning as âracistâ.
Stuff
Powerlifter spotter declares âIâm a racistâ after sabotaging record attempt
Police have started an investigation into hateful social media comments following an incident in which an assistant âintentionallyâ hindered an attempt.