Minister of Foreign Affairs (New Zealand)
The Minister of Foreign Affairs is a major portfolio in the Cabinet of New Zealand.
The position has had a number of different names throughout its history. The term "Minister of External Affairs" was once preferred, but was later changed to "Minister of Foreign Affairs". Since the absorption of responsibility for overseas trade, the official title is now "Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade", although the last part is frequently omitted in normal speech.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade is responsible for overseeing New Zealand's relations with foreign countries. The Minister is in charge of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, including New Zealand's diplomatic staff.
The present Minister is Phil Goff, who also serves as Minister of Justice. Pete Hodgson and Marian Hobbs serve as Associate Ministers, with Hobbs having special responsibility for foreign aid. Also linked to the portfolio are the separate roles of Minister for Disarmament and Arms Control (held by Hobbs) and Minister for Trade Negotiations (held by Jim Sutton).
Historically, it has been common for Prime Ministers to take on the role of Foreign Minister themselves, particularly if they have an interest in the field. The most recent Prime Minister to do this was Mike Moore, in 1990.
A list of former office-holders (regardless of title) is below, beginning in 1917.
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Referenced By
Department of Foreign Affairs | Don McKinnon | Donald McKinnon | Foreign Affairs Ministry | Foreign Minister | Foreign Ministry | Incumbents | List of Incumbents | Lists of Incumbents | Lists of incumbants | Lists of people by office held | Minister of Foreign Affairs | Ministry of Foreign Affairs | New Zealand Cabinet | Phil Goff | Philip Bruce Goff | Philip Goff
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