Election 2026: Planning underway for New Zealand representation at Apec right after election

However, with the New Zealand election happening on November 7, depending on the results, it’s unlikely a new Government will be in place by the time of this year’s event. That leads to the question of who might represent New Zealand. It’s an issue officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) have dealt with before. In 2023, after it became clear that parties on the right had enough support to govern, then-Prime Minister-elect Christopher Luxon prioritised forming a new coalition over attending the Apec summit, held in San Francisco that year. Outgoing Trade Minister Damien O’Connor from…