Phil Goff removed as High Commissioner

The story so far

Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters declared Phil Goff's position as High Commissioner to the UK untenable, and Goff was removed in early March 2025.^{6, 7 Mar 2025} The move followed remarks Goff made at a Chatham House event questioning US President Donald Trump's understanding of history.^{6, 7 Mar 2025} Peters expressed regret over the decision, while legal experts suggested the dismissal was justified.^{7 Mar 2025} Retired diplomat Chris Seed was named to replace Goff as acting High Commissioner in London.^{11 Mar 2025}

Latest

Goff was farewelled in London, with a message from King Charles and attendance by the Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps.^{13 Mar 2025}

What's next

Chris Seed was due to travel to London the following week to serve as acting High Commissioner.^{11 Mar 2025}

Key moments

1. 6 Mar 2025Peters declares Goff's position untenable after Chatham House remarks about Trump.
2. 7 Mar 2025Goff dismissed; Peters expresses regret, while legal experts say dismissal was justified.
3. 11 Mar 2025Retired diplomat Chris Seed named acting High Commissioner in London.
4. 13 Mar 2025Goff farewelled in London, with a message from King Charles.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.