The Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, Mahuta said, will bring unique qualities to her leadership. As the first woman representing foreign affairs in New Zealand, Mahuta expressed her commitment to working in the best interests of their countries. She looks forward to finding areas of common interest and hopes for future collaboration. Her enthusiasm reflects a global desire for a change from right-wing populism. New Zealand, with its inclusive and competent government led by charismatic women like Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, is seen as a promising alternative to the current political climate. Ardern and her team are now facing heightened expectations after successfully managing the COVID crisis. Despite three years of leading a coalition government with few policy achievements on key issues like inequality, Labour now has the majority to enact its agenda. The newly elected majority in Labour is predominantly comprised of women, with diverse representation including the first African descent member and several LGBTQ+ members in Parliament. Additionally, there are lawmakers from Pacific island and Maori descent in the 120-member legislative body. This Parliament is the most diverse in New Zealand's history, representing the country's demographics and its connections to the Pacific islands. Richard Shaw, a politics professor at Massey University in Palmerston North, described it as a significant development. Prime Minister Ardern's executive council, which was recently sworn in, includes a mix of trusted allies. Grant Robertson, the finance minister, was appointed as deputy prime minister, becoming the first openly gay lawmaker to hold that position. Additionally, Ardern appointed several members of Maori and Pacific island descent to her council. Mahuta, 50, was a surprising addition to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's cabinet, as she brings a reputation as an honest broker to the diverse team. Mahuta entered Parliament at 26 with a master's degree in social anthropology after working as a researcher for her Tainui tribe in the lead-up to a historic treaty with the government. Her father was the lead negotiator and her aunt was the Maori queen. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern of New Zealand addressed the United Nations General Assembly in Manhattan on September 27, 2018. The new foreign minister, Nanaia Mahuta, is known for being an impartial mediator and has joined Ardern's cabinet, which is the most diverse in New Zealand's history. Despite her reputation, Mahuta prefers to focus on reading briefing papers rather than seeking attention, demonstrating a no-nonsense and measured approach. She was known for her honesty as she transitioned through different roles. From handling negotiations over water rights as an associate environment minister, to resolving disputes as a local government minister, to facilitating trade agreements as a customs minister, she was always guided by integrity. 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 with Mahuta for nearly twenty years, praised her appointment to foreign affairs as an excellent decision. He described her as someone who works diligently without seeking personal recognition. Mahuta, in an interview on Thursday, revealed that she had not actively pursued the foreign affairs role, although she had considered it. She expressed surprise at the offer but eagerly accepted the opportunity to enhance New Zealand's international standing and collaborate closely with Pacific Island nations. The region has gained increased significance and attention as a result of China's growing influence and investments in recent years. US officials believe that Mahuta and her team, including defence minister Peeni Henare, will be embraced as equals in the region and will serve as a strong opposition to Beijing. Mahuta's promotion is being celebrated in the Maori community, which makes up 17% of New Zealand's population, despite some cultural controversies. In 2016, Mahuta became the first woman in Parliament to showcase a moko kauae, a traditional facial tattoo. When her promotion in foreign affairs was announced, a conservative New Zealand author criticized the tattoo as inappropriate for a diplomat. However, many New Zealanders showed support for Mahuta, emphasizing that her appointment is not just about diversity, but also a significant moment in history and politics. Mahuta, a prominent figure in the Maori King Movement, has been appointed to New Zealand's foreign ministry, symbolizing the progress of the country. However, this appointment is just the start for Ardern's government, facing both domestic and international challenges such as climate change and economic struggles. To address these issues, experts like Oliver Hartwich suggest bold measures like reforming education and tax structures to promote equality and affordable housing. He stated that there is a reluctance to make necessary changes and take risks. Cunliffe, a former leader of the Labour Party, mentioned that both Ardern and President-elect Joe Biden's administrations need to be transformative while also convincing skeptics. He believes that defeating populism requires progressive actions that benefit both supporters and critics, not just winning at the ballot box. Mahuta also agreed with this sentiment. She expressed her desire for innovative solutions to be adopted from the Indigenous community, focusing on values such as manaakitanga and kaitiakitanga. She acknowledged that economic inequality is a major challenge for numerous countries and emphasized the need to move away from traditional approaches.