Tensions are escalating within New Zealand's coalition government following a contentious exchange with the United Nations (UN). The foreign affairs minister, Winston Peters, has reprimanded his coalition partners for prematurely criticizing a UN letter before he had a chance to officially respond. He underscored the significance of diplomatic experience, stating, "Experience is crucial in this line of work." However, David Seymour, the regulations minister, has steadfastly refused to acknowledge any misstep, despite facing criticism.

Earlier, Seymour issued a sharp rebuke against the UN letter, describing it as "presumptuous, condescending, and entirely misplaced." The letter was authored by UN special rapporteur Albert K Barume, who raised concerns regarding the coalition government's agenda, particularly focusing on Seymour's Regulatory Standards Bill. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon dismissed the UN's letter as