Carr’s threat not MP’s first ‘legal rodeo’

Foreign Minister Winston Peters is refusing to back down as former Australian politician Bob Carr threatens him with legal action over allegedly defamatory comments.

Peters sparked controversy on Thursday when in a radio interview he attacked the former Australian foreign minister for his criticism of New Zealand’s interest in the contentious Aukus defence pact.

Carr’s lawyers on Thursday evening sent a letter to Peters’ office saying solicitors in New Zealand would be instructed to take legal action.

“We place you on notice that we are now in the process of instructing New Zealand lawyers to advise in relation to the immediate commencement in New Zealand of defamation proceedings against you,” the letter said.

The controversy consumed attention on both Thursday, as Prime Minister Christopher Luxon sought to make an education policy announcement, and yesterday morning, as Peters delivered a speech on the New Zealand-China relationship.

Afterwards, he told reporters: “This is not my first legal rodeo.

“I’ve got a right to say what I’ve said, to defend the right of the people of this country to decide their foreign policy.

“We do have an independent foreign policy, and I’m standing up for it.”

Peters declined to answer whether the taxpayer would have to fund a defence of legal proceedings, as legal action had not been filed.

Labour leader Chris Hipkins on Thursday called for Peters to be removed as foreign minister for the comments, but Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has stood by his deputy prime minister.

“They’re not comments I would make. I’m sure Bob Carr as a seasoned politician would understand the rough and tumble of politics,” Luxon said.