Peters appointed NZ deputy PM, foreign minister

Veteran protectionist politician Winston Peters was appointed New Zealand’s new deputy prime minister and foreign minister yesterday, saying he would seek a greater voice in international affairs, including North Korea. Peters visited North Korea when he was foreign minister in a previous New Zealand government in 2005.New Zealand First party leader Peters delivered government to the Labour party through a coalition deal after a closely fought election on Sept 23 failed to result in a majority for the governing National or Labour parties.Peters and Labour Prime Minister-designate Jacinda Ardern have found common ground in “fortress New Zealand”-type policies.Both are looking to curb immigration, renegotiate certain trade deals and adjust the role of the central bank. Ardern also wants to ban overseas buyers from purchasing existing homes as prices grow more unaffordable for local residents. A bill to ban such purchases will be introduced by Christmas, Ardern told a workers’ conference yesterday.But trade and foreign ownership restrictions could hurt New Zealand’s reputation as an open economy and antagonise the likes of China. Trade between the two countries has grown to more than NZ$20bn ($14.4bn) a year, and Chinese President Xi Jinping called the relationship “unprecedented” in its depth.While Peters was expected to be offered the deputy role after obtaining the balance of power, his appointment as both deputy prime minister and foreign minister was unexpected.