The Hive is launching a series of posts looking at the great achievements of New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters since he became Foreign Minister. This follows last weeks absurd assessment by the publication Trans Tasman which said that in some quarters Winston is being talked about as the most successful Foreign Minister since Brian Talboys.
We start this series by looking at Winston's strong resolve and his willingness to stand up to his officials. This is best illustrated by his rejecting MFAT's recommendation and instead appointing one of his own MPs Brian Donnelly as the next High Commissioner to the Cook Islands. Apparently Mr Donnelly has strong links to the Cook Islands and will do a much better job than would an MFAT high flyer (the rumour was that MFAT CEO Simon Murdoch had suggested his own right hand man - the person who runs his personal office (yes MFAT CEOs now have a personal staff, rather similar to Ministerial offices) - to take on the role. So certain was this appointment that wider family had been informed etc. including some with strong media connections. This made the cock up harder to suppress.
Anyway The Hive wishes Brian Donnelly all the best for his time in the Cooks (the Dom Post is suggesting that Brian will give his valedictory speech in Parliament this week - get there early as we are sure that it will be standing room only) and we are sure that the MFAT officer who missed out will be given an even better reward. We will watch the work that Donnelly does with close interest. And well done Winston for ensuring that the best person has got the job.
