The 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. While Mahuta is unsure about giving Harris a message, she is confident that both countries will work together in their best interests. Many progressives around the world are hopeful for a shift away from right-wing populism, as seen in leaders like Jair Bolsonaro and Victor Orban, and see New Zealand as a promising alternative. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's recent landslide reelection victory has solidified New Zealand as a beacon of hope for those seeking a government led by charismatic women with an emphasis on inclusion and competence. Ardern and her team are now faced with heightened expectations following their victory over COVID, as they have the votes and diversity needed to pass desired policies. The newly elected Labour majority is predominantly female, with additional representation from various minority groups such as the first African descent member, Ibrahim Omer, and several LGBTQ+ and Maori members in the New Zealand Parliament. This Parliament is the most diverse in New Zealand's history, representing the country's demographics and its connection to the broader Pacific islands. According to Richard Shaw, a politics professor at Massey University, this is a significant development. Prime Minister Ardern's new executive council, which was recently sworn in, includes a mix of familiar allies. Grant Robertson, the finance minister, has been appointed as her deputy prime minister, becoming the first openly gay lawmaker to hold this position. Additionally, Ardern has chosen several members of Maori and Pacific island descent for her cabinet. Mahuta, aged 50, was a notable surprise. New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern addressed the United Nations General Assembly in Manhattan on September 27, 2018. Nanaia Mahuta, the country's new foreign minister, is known for being a fair mediator and has joined Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's diverse cabinet, which is considered the most diverse in New Zealand's history. Mahuta entered Parliament at 26 with a master's degree in social anthropology, having previously worked as a researcher for her Tainui tribe during the historic treaty negotiations with the government to settle land claims from colonisation. Her father was the lead negotiator, and her aunt was the Maori queen, Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu. New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern 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 chose to focus on briefing papers instead of seeking attention, displaying a no-nonsense and measured approach. She was known for being truthful as she transitioned through different positions. From handling water rights negotiations as an associate environment minister to resolving disputes as a local government minister, and to working with exporters as a customs minister to facilitate trade agreements with Japan and other countries. In her new position, she is expected to focus on arranging COVID-safe tourism in the region and strengthening economic ties with other Pacific Island nations and Australia. David Cunliffe, a former Labour Party leader who has worked closely with Mahuta for almost twenty years, praised her appointment to the foreign affairs role as a smart decision. He noted that she is dedicated to making progress without seeking personal recognition, and that her hard work has finally been acknowledged. Mahuta, in an interview on Thursday, revealed that she had not actively pursued the foreign affairs position, although it was on her list of potential roles. She expressed her surprise at being offered the job and 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 China's growing influence and investments. US officials say that Mahuta and her team, which includes the Maori defence minister Peeni Henare, will be warmly received in the region as equals in terms of culture and as a strong opposition to Beijing. Mahuta's promotion is being celebrated in the Maori community, despite some old cultural divisions being brought back to light. In 2016, she made history by being the first woman in Parliament to display a moko kauae (a sacred facial tattoo). However, when her foreign affairs promotion was announced, a conservative New Zealand author criticized her tattoo, calling it inappropriate for a diplomat. Despite this, many New Zealanders came to Mahuta's defense, viewing her promotion as a victory for both diversity and history in politics. Mahuta, a prominent figure in the Maori King Movement, has been appointed to the New Zealand government's foreign ministry, highlighting the progress the country has made. However, this appointment is just the beginning for Ardern's team, as they must address various domestic and international challenges such as climate change, economic struggles, and inequality. According to Oliver Hartwich, Ardern needs to take bold actions such as reforming education and tax structures to improve equality and housing affordability. He mentioned that there is a lack of willingness to take risks and make necessary changes, with many promises being made but little action being taken. Cunliffe, the former Labour Party leader, stated that both the governments of Ardern and President-elect Joe Biden must be transformative while also convincing skeptics. He argued that the only way to defeat populism is by delivering progressive results that benefit both supporters and critics. Cunliffe emphasized that simply winning at the ballot box is not enough, but rather addressing the underlying issues that lead to populism. Mahuta also agreed with this sentiment. She expressed her hope that solutions for rethinking the concept of prosperity can be adopted from the Indigenous community, which values principles such as manaakitanga and kaitiakitanga. She acknowledged that addressing economic inequality is a major challenge for numerous countries, and emphasized the need to break away from traditional methods.