New Zealand's Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta expressed her anticipation for Vice President-elect Kamala Harris to bring unique qualities to leadership. As the first woman in her role, Mahuta emphasized the importance of working in the best interests of their respective countries and expressed hope for opportunities to collaborate on common interests. This enthusiasm mirrors a global shift away from right-wing populism towards more inclusive and competent leadership, with New Zealand being seen as a promising alternative model led by charismatic women like Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. Ardern and her team, having achieved success in handling COVID, are now facing increased expectations. After leading a coalition government for three years without significant policy achievements on major issues like inequality, Labour now has the votes to pass their desired policies, as well as a diverse group of members. The majority of Labour's newly elected members are women, including the first member of African descent, Ibrahim Omer. The Parliament also includes 11 LGBTQ+ lawmakers, a dozen Pacific island descent members, and 16 Maori members. This Parliament is the most diverse in New Zealand's history, representing the country's demographics and its connection to the broader Pacific islands. Richard Shaw, a politics professor at Massey University in Palmerston North, described it as a significant development. Prime Minister Ardern's new executive council includes a mix of familiar allies, with Grant Robertson becoming the first openly gay deputy prime minister. Additionally, she appointed several members of Maori and Pacific island heritage. Mahuta, 50, came as a big surprise as the new foreign minister in New Zealand, joining Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's diverse cabinet. She entered Parliament at 26 with a master's degree in social anthropology, having worked as a researcher for her Tainui tribe during a historic treaty settlement with the government. Her father was the lead negotiator and her aunt was the Maori queen. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern of New Zealand delivered a speech at the United Nations General Assembly in Manhattan on September 27, 2018. Nanaia Mahuta, the newly appointed foreign minister in New Zealand, is known for being an honest mediator and has joined Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's diverse cabinet. Despite her reputation, Mahuta prefers to focus on briefing papers rather than seeking attention, displaying a no-nonsense and measured approach. She was known for her honesty as she took on different roles. As an associate environment minister, she handled negotiations between her tribe and the government on water rights. As a local government minister, she resolved disputes on various issues. As a customs minister, she collaborated with exporters and facilitated trade agreements with Japan and other countries. In her new position, she is expected to focus on organizing safe tourism during the COVID-19 pandemic in the region, as well as strengthening economic ties with other Pacific Island nations and Australia. David Cunliffe, a former leader of the Labour Party who has worked closely with Mahuta for nearly twenty years, praised her appointment to the foreign affairs role, calling it a smart decision. He highlighted her dedication to progress rather than personal recognition, saying that her hard work has finally been acknowledged. In an interview on Thursday, Mahuta revealed that she had not actively pursued the foreign affairs position, although it was something she had considered. She was surprised by the offer but eagerly accepted the opportunity to enhance New Zealand's global standing while collaborating with Pacific Island nations. The region has gained increased importance and attention in recent years due to growing Chinese influence and investment. US officials believe that Mahuta and her team, which includes the Maori defence minister Peeni Henare, will be well-received in the region as cultural equals and as a strong opposition to Beijing. Mahuta's promotion has been met with celebration in the Maori community, despite some cultural disagreements. When Mahuta, the first woman in Parliament to display a moko kauae (a sacred facial tattoo), was promoted to foreign affairs, a conservative New Zealand author criticized the tattoo as inappropriate for a diplomat. However, New Zealanders showed their support for Mahuta, with political commentator Morgan Godfery calling it a victory for history and politics as well as diversity. Mahuta, a prominent member of the Maori King Movement, has been appointed to New Zealand's foreign ministry, which demonstrates the progress the country has made. However, this appointment is just the beginning for Ardern's government, as they face various challenges both domestically and internationally. Climate change, economic struggles, and growing inequality are all pressing issues that need to be addressed. According to Oliver Hartwich, bold actions such as reforming education and changing the tax structure are necessary to address these issues effectively. "He stated that they are unwilling to take risks and do what is necessary," he said. "There are many promises made, but not enough actions taken." Cunliffe, the former leader of the Labour Party, mentioned that both Ardern's and President-elect Joe Biden's administrations must be transformative while also convincing doubters. He explained that populism can only be defeated by producing progressive outcomes that benefit both supporters and critics. "You can't defeat it with just one election day," he said. "You have to use your position of power to address the underlying causes that led to it, or it will return in a few years." Mahuta concurred. She expressed her desire for ideas on redefining prosperity to be shared from the Indigenous community, which includes values such as manaakitanga (caring for people) and kaitiakitanga (protecting the environment). She acknowledged that addressing economic inequality is a major challenge for numerous countries and emphasized the need to move away from traditional approaches.