New Zealand’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Phil Goff, has been removed from his diplomatic post following remarks he made publicly questioning the historical understanding of former U.S. President Donald Trump. The New Zealand government deemed his position to be “untenable” in light of these comments.
During a public discussion at Chatham House in London, Goff posed a question to Finland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Elina Valtonen. The discussion centered on maintaining stability with Russia, a nation that shares a border with Finland. Goff referenced a historical speech by Winston Churchill, delivered in 1938 to the House of Commons after the Munich Agreement, which permitted Germany to annex a section of Czechoslovakia. In that speech, Churchill criticized then-Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain’s policy of appeasement, stating, “You had the choice between war and dishonor. You chose dishonor, yet you will have war.”
Goff then alluded to the fact that President Trump had reinstated a bust of Churchill in the Oval Office, questioning whether Trump truly comprehended the lessons of history. His remarks were met with laughter from the audience, but they soon led to serious consequences.
New Zealand’s Foreign Minister, Winston Peters, addressed the media on Thursday, expressing his deep regret over the incident. He emphasized that it was necessary to take action against Goff, asserting that the response would have been the same regardless of which foreign leader was involved. Peters described Goff’s comments as “disappointing” and maintained that they had rendered his continued role as High Commissioner unfeasible.
“When you hold such a diplomatic position, you are expected to represent the views and policies of the government rather than expressing personal opinions. You are, in essence, the face of New Zealand,” Peters stated.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Secretary, Bede Corry, has been tasked with overseeing the transition in leadership. Discussions are currently underway regarding the process of Goff’s return to New Zealand.
This decision comes at a time when New Zealand is striving to maintain a strong diplomatic relationship with the United States, one of its key trading partners. Recent global developments have increased concerns about the Trump administration’s approach to international alliances. Against this backdrop, New Zealand’s Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, recently stated that while he trusts Trump, the country would continue to prioritize its own national interests.
Goff, who previously served as the leader of the Labour Party and the Mayor of Auckland, was appointed as High Commissioner in 2022 during the administration of former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. Although his tenure was initially scheduled to conclude in late 2025, his departure has now been expedited.
This is not the first time Goff has faced controversy in his diplomatic role. In May 2023, during an event for a New Zealand delegation attending King Charles III’s coronation, he inadvertently offended the Māori King, Kīngi Tūheitia. Goff remarked that no one in attendance had previously witnessed a coronation, disregarding the presence of Kīngi Tūheitia, who himself had experienced a coronation as Māori King.
Efforts to reach Goff for comment have so far been unsuccessful. In response to inquiries, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed that discussions regarding Goff’s return to New Zealand are ongoing but declined to provide further statements on the matter.
