Global Insight: Trump causing tension for NZ govt
Donald Trump's aggressive protectionism could threaten the unity of New Zealand's coalition government, warns Prof Robert Patman.
The University of Otago international relations specialist says divergent opinions about the United States president's global tariffs are already causing tension between New Zealand's governing parties.
That friction might be exacerbated by the coalition parties' different long-term goals, he says.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters at Parliament. File photo: RNZ
"They may well have an interest in papering this over. But I don't think Mr Luxon is going to back down on this," Prof Patman predicts.
Recently, different views held by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, of the National Party, and Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters, of New Zealand First, were aired publicly when the PM described Trump's tariffs as unleashing a "trade war" and Peters then criticised such language as "hysterical".
The issue is unlikely to go away, and could in fact get worse, because the smaller coalition parties — NZ First and Act Party — are looking to attract a narrower group of voters than centre-right National.
"Their major concern is to get over 5% [of voters]. Whereas, as a major party, National, backed by the farming community, which depends on free trade, will be expecting their leader to do everything possible to preserve the free trade system," Prof Patman says.
"[Luxon] will do everything possible . . . to make sure New Zealand's national interests are not disadvantaged by this new aggressive protectionism being pursued by Mr Trump."
In today's episode of Global Insight, Prof Patman also discusses the tough stance Canada, under newly elected PM Mark Carney, is likely to take with Trump; signs of a growing international push against Trump's war on the global rules-based order; and the role China is likely to play.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
1News
5 hours ago
- 1News
Marines in LA while cities across US prep for 'No Kings' rallies
After a week of protests over federal immigration raids, about 200 Marines have moved into Los Angeles to guard a federal building in the city while communities across the country prepped for what's anticipated to be a nationwide wave of large-scale demonstrations against President Donald Trump's polices this weekend. The Marine troops with rifles, combat gear and walkie-talkies took over some posts from National Guard members who were deployed to the city after the protests erupted last week. Those protests sparked dozens more over several days around the country, with some leading to clashes with police and hundreds of arrests. The Marines had not been seen on Los Angeles city streets until Friday (local time). They finished training on civil disturbance and have started to replace Guard members protecting the federal building west of downtown, so the Guard soldiers can be assigned to protect law enforcement officers on raids, the commander in charge of 4700 troops deployed to the LA protests said. The Marines moved into Los Angeles before Saturday's planned "No Kings" demonstrations nationally against Trump's policies, which will also happen the same day as a military parade in Washington, DC, when troops will march and tanks will rumble through the streets of the nation's capital. The Marines' arrival also came a day after the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals temporarily blocked a federal judge's order that had directed Trump to return control of Guard troops to California. The judge had ruled the Guard deployment was illegal, violated the Tenth Amendment, which defines the power between state and federal governments, and exceeded Trump's statutory authority. The judge did not rule on the presence of the Marines. ADVERTISEMENT US Marines work next to members of the California National Guard outside of a federal building. (Source: Associated Press) Military mission Some 2000 National Guard troops were deployed to Los Angeles this week. Hundreds have provided protection to immigration agents making arrests. Another 2000 Guard members were notified of deployment earlier this week. None of the military troops will be detaining anyone, Major General Scott Sherman, the commander of Task Force 51 who is overseeing the 4700 combined troops, said. "I would like to emphasise that the soldiers will not participate in law enforcement activities," Sherman said. "Rather, they'll be focused on protecting federal law enforcement personnel." Roughly 500 National Guard members have been used to provide security on immigration raids after undergoing expanded instruction, legal training and rehearsals with the agents doing the enforcement before they go on those missions. By mid-afternoon Friday, more than a dozen Marines were stationed outside the 17-storey Wilshire Federal Building, replacing some members of the National Guard at various entrances. They mostly appeared to be checking tickets from members of the public who were there to renew their passports. ADVERTISEMENT US Senator Alex Padilla is pushed out of the room as Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem holds a news conference regarding the recent protests in Los Angeles. (Source: Associated Press) The building is the same place Democratic US Senator Alex Padilla on Thursday was forcefully removed from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's news conference and handcuffed by officers as he tried to speak up about the immigration raids. There were no protesters around the building. Occasionally, a passing driver shouted from their window, registering a mix of anger and support for the military presence. Sherman said the US Marine Corps is responsible for guarding US embassies overseas, so they are well-trained on how to defend a federal building. California vs Trump California Govenor Gavin Newsom has called the troop deployment a "serious breach of state sovereignty" and a power grab by Trump, and he has gone to court to stop it. The president has cited a legal provision that allows him to mobilise federal service members when there is "a rebellion or danger of a rebellion against the authority of the Government of the United States". A federal judge said in a ruling late Thursday that what is happening in Los Angeles does not meet the definition of a rebellion and issued an order to return control of the Guard to California before the appeals court stopped it from going into effect Friday. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump thanked the appeals court Friday morning. ADVERTISEMENT "If I didn't send the Military into Los Angeles, that city would be burning to the ground right now," he said. The court will hold a hearing on the matter Tuesday. Under federal law, active-duty forces are prohibited by law from conducting law enforcement. The Trump administration has characterised the city as a "war zone," which local authorities dispute. Recent protesters have drawn a few hundred attendees who marched through downtown chanting, dancing and poking fun at the Trump administration's characterisation of the city. There have been about 500 arrests since Saturday, mostly for failing to leave the area at the request of law enforcement, according to the police. There have been a handful of more serious charges, including for assault against officers and for possession of a Molotov cocktail and a gun. Nine officers have been hurt, mostly with minor injuries. An 8pm curfew has been in place in a 2.5-square-kilometre section of downtown. The city of Los Angeles encompasses roughly 1295-square-kilometres. Protests have ended after a few hours with arrests this week largely for failure to disperse. A protesters waves a flag standing by California National Guard parked along a street in Santa Ana (Source: Associated Press) ADVERTISEMENT 'No Kings' The "No Kings" demonstrations are planned in nearly 2000 locations around the country, according to the movement's website. A flagship march and rally are planned for Philadelphia, but no protests are scheduled to take place in Washington, DC, where the military parade will be held. Participants are expected to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation, organisers say. In Florida, state Attorney General James Uthmeier warned that any protesters who become violent will be dealt with harshly. States face questions on deploying troops Texas Govenor Greg Abbott, a Republican, has put 5000 National Guard members on standby in cities where demonstrations are planned. In other Republican-controlled states, governors have not said when or how they may deploy troops. A group of Democratic governors in a statement called Trump's deployments "an alarming abuse of power". ADVERTISEMENT Washington state Govenor Bob Ferguson took to social media Friday to call for peaceful protests over the weekend, to ensure the military is not sent to the state. "Don't give him an excuse to try and federalise the National Guard like he did in California," he said. Military parade The military parade in Washington which Trump had unsuccessfully pushed for during his first term — will also feature concerts, fireworks, NFL players, fitness competitions and displays all over the National Mall for daylong festivities. The celebration Saturday also happens to be Trump's birthday. The Army expects as many as 200,000 people could attend and says putting on the celebration will cost an estimated US$25 million (NZ$41.6 million) to US$45 million (NZ$74.9 million).
Scoop
9 hours ago
- Scoop
Cook Islands Announces Protection Zone For Migrating Oceania Humpback Whales
Article – RNZ The Cook Islands prime minister has announced a zone to protect the migratory corridors of the endangered Oceania humpback whale. RNZ Pacific Cook Islands prime minister Mark Brown has announced the creation of a zone to protect the migratory corridors of the endangered Oceania humpback whale. Brown made the announcement at the UN Oceans Conference in Nice, France. 'We can apply our traditional Ra'ui practice at ocean scale,' Brown told the conference. 'Spanning over 400,000 square kilometres, this zone will adapt with the seasons and respond to emerging threats. Its purpose is not only conservation; it is recovery.' The Cook Islands set up Marae Moana in 2017. Brown said Ra'ui To'ora reflects a growing global truth that traditional knowledge and science can work together to shape powerful solutions. 'With regional cooperation, this could become the foundation of the Pacific's first transboundary whale corridor. 'To support this, we are further exploring the establishment of the Institute of Blue Ocean Sustainability and Science, a national initiative to advance ocean governance, foster applied research, and strengthen partnerships across government, academia, industry, and traditional leadership. 'These are not radical ideas; they are overdue. This is sovereignty matched with stewardship.' Also, at the Ocean Conference, Tuvalu prime minister Feleti Teo has called for an international treaty on sea level rise. Before the conference, French Polynesia's president, Moetai Brotherson, announced his administration's plan to establish a network of highly protected marine areas (MPAs). The conference wraps up on Friday, Nice time.
Scoop
10 hours ago
- Scoop
Embassy Of Israel In Wellington Closes Amid International Conflict
Article – RNZ It's part of a worldwide closure of the country's diplomatic missions. The Israeli embassy in New Zealand has shut as part of a worldwide closure of the country's diplomatic missions,. The closures comes as tensions remain high in the region – Israel launched an attack on Iranian nuclear and military facilities on Friday, which Iran responded to with attacks of its own. The Embassy of Israel – on Brandon Street in Wellington – services Tonga, Samoa, Cook Islands and Niue, as well as New Zealand. It also operates a consulate office in Auckland. A message on the embassy's website announced the decision: 'In light of recent developments, Israeli missions around the world will be closed and consular services will not be provided,' it said. 'An online form is available for Israelis abroad to report their location and current status.' The message also issued general safety guidelines for Israelis abroad – encouraging them to avoid displaying Jewish or Israeli symbols in public spaces and avoid attending large gatherings or events associated with Israel or Jewish communities. An 'unpublish' date on the message indicated it was intended to appear on the website until the end of July. In a statement sent to RNZ on Saturday morning, the Israeli embassy said Iran was 'only moments away from a nuclear weapon' and Israel 'had no choice'. 'Iran accumulated large amounts of highly enriched uranium that are sufficient for more than nine nuclear bombs. A third of which was enriched and accumulated in the last three months alone – a drastic increase of production volume. ' Israel has for years said Iran was working towards obtaining nuclear weapons. The embassy said the recent 'accelerated effort has not been seen in the last two decades'. 'Israel has the right to defend itself, and it has launched a precise self-defense campaign as a last resort.' It accused Iran of targeting civilian populations in its retaliatory attacks, saying Israel only 'targeted senior military commanders and nuclear weapons developers'. 'Israel will not allow a regime that openly calls for its destruction to possess nuclear weapons or vast stockpiles of advanced ballistic missiles.' The embassy closure came as part of a global shutting of Israeli embassies. Israel's embassy in Sweden said the country would close its diplomatic missions around the world and that consular services would not be provided at about 11pm on Friday night (NZ), Reuters reported. It did not say how long the missions would be closed. Correction: This story earlier said Iran launched 100 drones towards Israel, which was unconfirmed. It has been changed since to 'responded to with attacks of its own'.
