Vice President-elect Kamala Harris is expected to bring unique attributes to her leadership, according to Mahuta, the first woman representing the foreign affairs portfolio in New Zealand. Mahuta expressed her optimism for collaboration between their respective countries and hoped for shared interests. The excitement surrounding Harris reflects a global desire for a shift away from right-wing populism seen in leaders like Jair Bolsonaro and Victor Orban. New Zealand, led by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, is seen as a promising alternative model of government that emphasizes inclusion and competence, especially after Ardern's landslide reelection. Ardern and her team are now facing heightened expectations after their success in handling COVID-19. Despite three years of leading a coalition government with few notable policy achievements, Labour now has the votes and diversity to push through their agenda. Their majority includes mostly women, New Zealand's first African descent member, and a significant representation of LGBTQ+, Pacific island, and Maori members in Parliament. This Parliament is the most diverse in New Zealand's history, representing the country's demographics and its connection 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 new executive council includes a mix of familiar supporters, with Grant Robertson becoming the first openly gay lawmaker to serve as deputy prime minister. She also selected individuals of Maori and Pacific island heritage for key positions. Mahuta, 50, was a surprising addition to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's diverse cabinet, bringing a reputation as a fair mediator. She joined Parliament at 26 with a master's degree in social anthropology, having previously worked as a researcher for her Tainui tribe during historic treaty negotiations with the government. Her father led the negotiations 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. Nanaia Mahuta, the country's new foreign minister, is known for being an honest broker and has joined Ardern's diverse cabinet. Despite her reputation, Mahuta prefers to focus on briefing papers rather than seeking the spotlight, displaying a no-nonsense and measured approach. She was known for being honest as she transitioned through different positions. She handled negotiations between her tribe and the government on water rights as an associate environment minister. As a local government minister, she resolved disputes on various issues. In her role as customs minister, she collaborated with exporters and facilitated trade agreements with countries like Japan. In her new position, she is expected to focus on organizing safe tourism during COVID-19 in the region, as well as expanding economic ties with other Pacific Island nations and Australia. David Cunliffe, a former Labour Party leader who collaborated with Mahuta for almost twenty years, praised her promotion to foreign affairs as a wise decision. He mentioned that she is someone who works towards progress without seeking personal fame, and that her dedication has finally been acknowledged. In an interview on Thursday, Mahuta revealed that she had not actively pursued the foreign affairs role, although it was something she had considered. She was taken aback by the offer but eagerly accepted the opportunity to enhance New Zealand's global standing and collaborate closely with Pacific Island nations. The region has gained more attention in recent years due to China's growing influence and investments. US officials believe that Mahuta and her team, including defence minister Peeni Henare, will be embraced as cultural equals and a strong counterbalance to Beijing in the region. Mahuta's promotion is being celebrated within the Maori community, despite some old cultural tensions being revived. When Mahuta, the first woman in Parliament to display a moko kauae (a facial tattoo), was promoted in foreign affairs, some criticized her tattoo as inappropriate for a diplomat. However, many New Zealanders supported Mahuta, viewing her promotion as a victory for diversity, history, and politics. Mahuta, a prominent member of the Maori King Movement, has been appointed to New Zealand's foreign ministry, showcasing the progress the country has made since the 19th-century resistance movement against the government. However, government appointments are just the beginning, as Ardern's team faces various domestic and international challenges such as climate change, economic struggles, and housing affordability issues. According to Oliver Hartwich, executive director of the New Zealand Institute, Ardern must take bold steps such as reforming education and changing tax structures to address these issues effectively. "He stated that they are unwilling to take risks and make necessary changes. Many promises are made but not much is actually followed through," said Cunliffe, the former leader of the Labour Party. He emphasized the importance for both Ardern and President-elect Joe Biden to be transformative leaders while also winning over skeptics. Cunliffe believes that the only way to defeat populism is by delivering progressive results that benefit both supporters and critics. He added that simply winning at the ballot box is not enough, and that addressing the underlying causes of populism is crucial in preventing its resurgence in the future. Mahuta agreed with Cunliffe's viewpoint. She expressed her desire for ideas on how to redefine prosperity to be adopted from the Indigenous community, which prioritizes values such as caring for people and protecting the environment. She acknowledged that economic inequality is a major obstacle for many countries and emphasized the need to innovate and move away from traditional approaches.