Labour’s Peeni Henare will pick up the foreign affairs portfolio, following David Parker’s departure from Parliament.

He retains his other portfolios of defence, economic development, Māori-Crown relations: Te Arawhiti and associate health.

Lawyer and human rights advocate Vanushi Walters returns to Parliament this week and will pick up shadow Attorney-General and associate foreign affairs.

“I am delighted to have Vanushi Walters returning to Parliament,” Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said.

“She, Peeni Henare and Phil Twyford will make a formidable team in the important portfolio of foreign affairs.

“New Zealand has a proud history of independent foreign policy, but Christopher Luxon’s Government is not standing up for New Zealand in a more and more divisive and unstable world.

“My expectations of this team will be to ensure we are ready to step back into Government in 2026. That we have clear, principled positions that make sense to New Zealanders.

“David Parker provided a fantastic platform for Labour to build on in this space. His experience and passion will be missed, and I wish him all the best as he embarks on life after politics,” Chris Hipkins said.

Notes: Updated Labour spokespeople grid attached.

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