Full Breakdown
Remarks Spark Diplomatic Fallout and Calls for Removal
8/5/2026, 8:31:30 PM
Core Event
“No, I’m not making it up, sunshine. Go back to your own country… you only came here just five minutes ago. Go back to your own country, that’s where they lie like a flat fish. But they don’t lie like that here, alright, this is what we call democracy.” — Winston Peters, foreign minister
Background & Context
Lawrence Xu-Nan, a long-time New Zealand resident, was the target of Peters’ remarks during a parliamentary debate on the previous government’s Covid-19 response. The exchange was captured on live broadcast, sparking immediate media coverage and public reaction.
Official Statements & Responses
Deputy Leader Carmel Sepuloni (Labour) warned that the comments risk damaging New Zealand’s credibility with China, its largest trading partner, saying, “There’s a level of diplomacy that’s expected in the role of Foreign Affairs, and the Minister has slipped in that regard.”
Green MP Teanau Tuiono called the episode “a massive diplomatic failure” with “negative implications” for the Chinese community and bilateral relations.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon confirmed a private conversation with Peters, called the remarks offensive and said Peters should apologise, though the decision to remain in the portfolio rests with the minister.
Criticism & Opposition
Labour and the Greens argue Peters can no longer serve as Foreign Minister. Labour leader Chris Hipkins said he would not appoint Peters to the foreign affairs portfolio in any future government, and campaign chair Kieran McAnulty called for his removal. Both parties say the remarks have harmed New Zealand’s international reputation and risk undermining trade ties with China.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China issued a formal rebuke, labeling the comments unacceptable and emphasizing the need for respectful diplomatic discourse.
Impact and Diplomatic Implications
The incident quickly went viral, reaching audiences in China and prompting criticism from Chinese officials. Observers note that the episode underscores the sensitivity of rhetoric toward migrant communities and the heightened expectations placed on New Zealand’s chief diplomat in managing relationships with key Pacific and trade partners.
Verbatim Quotes
- “No, I'm not making it up, sunshine.” — Winston Peters
- “There's a level of diplomacy that's expected in the role of Foreign Affairs, and the Minister has slipped in that regard.” — Carmel Sepuloni
- “It points to me that this is a massive diplomatic failure on his part.” — Teanau Tuiono
