WELLINGTON – New Zealand appointed its first Indigenous female foreign minister Monday to represent what’s shaping up to be one of the most diverse parliaments in the world.
Nanaia Mahuta, who is Māori, the Indigenous people of New Zealand, four years ago also became the country’s first female member of parliament to wear a moko kauae, a traditional tattoo on her chin.
“I’m privileged to be able to lead the conversation in the foreign space,” Mahuta said.
Mahuta was first elected to parliament in 1996, and has previously held a number of portfolios, including the minister of local government and Māori development.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s incoming parliament looks set to be one of the most diverse in the world. Almost half of the country’s lawmakers will be women – significantly higher than the global average of 25 percent. (CNN)
