New Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison. (Photo: Getty Images)

24 August 2018

Lucy Bennett – Political Reporter, NZ Herald

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says she looks forward to building a strong relationship with new Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Ardern told reporters this afternoon she had already phoned Morrison to congratulate him on the win.

They had discussed opportunities to meet and it was likely it could be at one of several upcoming events including the Pacific Islands Forum, UN General Assembly, APEC and East Asia Summit.

“He’s been involved proactively in promoting New Zealand to the world. He acknowledged his warmth for this country. I look forward to building a really strong relationship with him,” Ardern said.

Asked whether the change in leadership could result in some better outcomes for New Zealanders in Australia, Ardern said regardless who was in charge, the Government would continue to advocate for New Zealanders in Australia.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters said Morrison was hitting the ground running where New Zealand was concerned because of his previous familiarity.

“He’s known to New Zealanders, he’s worked in New Zealand, he’ll be more familiar with New Zealand’s political mores, so to speak, so in that sense it’s a very positive outcome.”

Peters said the prospect of a dialogue over the rights of New Zealanders in Australia and the issue of deportations was more likely today than it was yesterday as a result.

[Read the full NZ Herald article].