27 Feb 2018

Winston Peters will hold new disarmament role

10:26 am on 27 February 2018

The Cabinet position of Minister for Disarmament and Arms Control has been reinstated, and will be held by deputy Prime Minister and New Zealand First leader Winston Peters.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern made the announcement at her first foreign affairs speech in Wellington this morning.

She said the reinstatement of the portfolio acknowledged the importance of New Zealand's anti-nuclear stance, and the need to take more action in the current global climate.

Ms Ardern said the greatest challenge to global security was North Korea, and New Zealand must recommit itself to non-proliferation and disarmament.

She said the portfolio will cover the spread of nuclear, chemical and conventional weapons.