May 11, 2023
Tikanga refresh after unscripted Goff
Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta says High Commissioner Phil Goff went off script at a welcome for New Zealand’s delegation to the coronation.
Mr Goff upset Kingitanga representatives by jumping in before a scheduled karakia and with his comment no one in the gathering had attended a coronation before – Kiing Tuheitia has attended at least two.
Ms Mahuta says there are regular tikanga sessions at head office and out in the various diplomatic posts, but it comes down to leadership.
She says it’s regrettable no one stuck to the run sheet in London.
“The organisation’s reflected on that in terms of how we continue to strengthen and improve at posts the way tikanga is able to be an expression of who we are as Aotearoa New Zealand,” Minister Mahuta says.