Winston Peters discusses costs of nuclear-free policy in final speech
Monday 21 September 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated In this story Christopher Luxon, Winston Peters, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Todd McClay
In his final speech as Foreign Affairs Minister, Winston Peters stated that New Zealand's nuclear-free policy came with a cost. He criticised the use of "megaphone diplomacy" and called for more investment in the country's diplomatic network to better serve the national interest.
Key facts
5 facts
- Winston Peters delivered his final speech as Foreign Minister to the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs on Monday afternoon.
- Peters spent 248 days overseas and made 44 offshore visits during the term.
- The Prime Minister and Trade Minister ratified a free trade agreement with India that removes tariffs on 57% of exports.
- Peters described the current international situation as the worst since 1945.
- Peters held 279 meetings with foreign minister counterparts.
The full story
1 min read · 5 outlets
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has criticised New Zealand's nuclear-free policy, stating it bolstered national identity but came with costs. In a capstone speech to the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Peters suggested the policy may have constrained New Zealand's agency. He argued that a truly independent foreign policy must be multi-directional rather than solely defined by disagreeing with the United States.
Peters warned that future foreign ministers will face a gruelling travel schedule due to perennial underinvestment in the diplomatic network. He noted that he spent 248 days overseas during the term, representing approximately two-thirds of the political term. During his tenure, Peters conducted 44 offshore visits and held 279 meetings with foreign minister counterparts.
The Minister described current global conditions as the worst since 1945, citing ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. He stated the United Nations is ''muddling through, in a weakened state' because its ability to respond to crises is hamstrung by the abuse of the security council veto.
While Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Trade Minister Todd McClay ratified a free trade agreement with India on Monday, Peters focused on his own achievements. Peters identified his greatest achievement as securing better resources and funding for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. He also highlighted building stronger relations across the Pacific and mending a relationship with the Cook Islands.
How it developed
- Mon 21 Sep, 7:08pmPrime Minister Christopher Luxon and Trade Minister Todd McClay ratified a free trade agreement with India on Monday afternoon.
Where reports differ
- Reports differ on Peters' greatest achievement, with one source stating he identified securing better resources for his department as his number one achievement, while another notes he highlighted Pacific relations and the Cook Islands.
Compiled from reports by NZ Herald, The Post, Otago Daily Times, Stuff and 1News.