Phil Goff, New Zealand's high commissioner to the United Kingdom, has been removed from his post following comments that questioned U.S. President Donald Trump's understanding of history. The New Zealand government labeled Goff's remarks as "untenable," resulting in the premature conclusion of his tenure, which was initially set to end in late 2025.
Goff, who was appointed during Jacinda Ardern's administration in 2022, stirred controversy during a May 2023 event for New Zealanders attending King Charles's coronation. He made comments offending the Māori King, Kīngi Tūheitia, by suggesting that no one present had experienced a coronation before. However, it was his remarks comparing Trump's actions to those of British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain that drew significant attention.
During the event, Goff referenced Winston Churchill's speech to the House of Commons in 1938, following the Munich Agreement with Adolf Hitler. He quoted Churchill, stating:
"He turned to [prime minister Neville] Chamberlain, he said, ‘You had the choice between war and dishonour. You chose dishonour, yet you will have war’," – Phil Goff
This comparison, made in reference to Trump's policies, elicited laughter from the audience but was met with disapproval from New Zealand's government. Winston Peters, New Zealand's foreign minister, described Goff's comments as "seriously regrettable" and emphasized the importance of representing government views while serving as a diplomat.
“When you’re in that position, you represent the views of the government and the policies of the day – you’re not able to free-think, you are the face of New Zealand” – Winston Peters
Former Prime Minister Helen Clark criticized the decision to remove Goff, labeling it as:
“a very thin excuse for sacking a highly respected former [New Zealand] foreign minister” – Helen Clark
The dismissal comes at a delicate time for New Zealand, as the country seeks to preserve its relationship with the United States—a major export market. The Trump administration has faced criticism for its treatment of allies, adding complexity to diplomatic dynamics.