“Absolute Disgrace”: Hipkins Blasts Government Over Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ and Minneapolis Killings

By Lions Roar Aotearoa Political Desk

WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND (Tuesday, January 27, 2026) — Labour leader Chris Hipkins has launched a scathing attack on the coalition government, labeling their refusal to reject an invitation to Donald Trump’s controversial “Board of Peace” an “absolute disgrace.”

In a fiery interview with Morning Report, Hipkins accused Prime Minister Christopher Luxon of wavering on New Zealand’s principled foreign policy while global allies distance themselves from the new organization.

🕊️ The “Board of Peace” Controversy

The Board of Peace, chaired by US President Donald Trump, claims to promote international stability and restore “lawful governance.” However, its membership and charter have sparked global alarm.

The Guest List: Invitations have been sent to autocrats like Vladimir Putin and leaders of Belarus and Saudi Arabia. Notably, no invitations were sent to Sub-Saharan Africa, and Canada’s invite was abruptly withdrawn.
Western Rejection: Major powers including France, the UK, Germany, and Italy have declined, with many viewing the board as a direct threat to the United Nations.
Luxon’s Stance: Despite the pushback, PM Luxon confirmed today that joining remains a possibility. “We need to really understand what it’s actually there to achieve… Can we make a difference?” Luxon said.
Hipkins’ Rebuttal: “The idea that New Zealand would even consider being part of [a board with Putin] would be an absolute embarrassment,” Hipkins said, vowing that Labour would never join.

⚖️ Human Rights Crisis in Minneapolis

The debate over New Zealand’s relationship with the Trump administration has been further fueled by a “violent intervention” in Minneapolis. Federal agents have reportedly killed two civilians—an ICU nurse and an unarmed mother-of-three—both incidents captured on camera.

“Violation of Rights”: Hipkins called the killings an “absolute disgrace” and a clear violation of human rights.
Consistency: “We should criticise the United States when they violate people’s human rights,” Hipkins argued, calling for a consistent foreign policy regardless of New Zealand’s working relationship with Washington.

🏥 The WHO & Coalition Friction

The war of words extended to New Zealand’s membership in the World Health Organization (WHO), exposing a rift within the coalition government.

Peters’ Skepticism: Foreign Minister Winston Peters recently questioned the WHO’s usefulness and its roughly $2 million annual funding.
Luxon vs. Peters: In a rare public disagreement, Luxon shot down the idea of withdrawing, citing the “great value” the WHO provides, especially in the Pacific.
Hipkins’ View: Hipkins called Peters’ comments “embarrassing” and described Luxon as a “total pushover” for allowing the Deputy Prime Minister to send contradictory messages on the world stage.

📊 Comparison: Labour vs. National Foreign Policy (Jan 2026)

Issue	National/Coalition Position	Labour Position
Board of Peace	“Due consideration” / Still a possibility.	“Absolute Disgrace” / Will never join.
WHO Membership	Luxon: Stay; Peters: Questioning utility.	Stay / Essential for Pacific health.
Minneapolis Deaths	No official criticism of US human rights.	Condemn as human rights violations.
Trump Tariffs	Considering impact on trade.	Principles over fear of tariffs.

🎖️ A Rare Point of Agreement

There was one area where the leaders found common ground: Donald Trump’s recent “insulting” comments regarding New Zealand’s contribution to the war in Afghanistan.

Trump suggested allies did not “pull their weight,” a claim Luxon called “incredibly disrespectful and wrong,” noting that New Zealand sent 3,500 troops and lost 10 lives in the conflict.