Green Party co-leader James Shaw today made a sly joke during Question Time, as National wanted answers as to why the US left New Zealand out of exempted countries of its steel and aluminum tariff.
"Is the reason why New Zealand doesn't have an exemption… because President Trump can't find New Zealand on a map?" James Shaw asked, not surprisingly the question was not allowed.
It comes after the announcement the Trump Administration did not include New Zealand in the countries exemptions from their steel and aluminum tariffs, a move which has left the NZ government "disappointed" .
Mr Shaw's joke also hinted of Tourism New Zealand's newest campaign featuring PM Jacinda Ardern and comedian Rhys Darby promoting New Zealand by urging amateur map-makers to not forget about our small nation.
The exchange in Parliament today began when former Minister of Trade Todd McClay asked current Trade Minister David Parker: "Does he believe the Government did all it could to avoid the imposition of tariffs by the United States on New Zealand steel and aluminum?"
Mr Parker answered with, "yes".
Mr McClay asked why "have the EU, Canada, Mexcio, South Korea, Argentina, Brazil and Australia all received exemptions from US steel tariffs, yet he hasn't delivered one for NZ?"
Mr Parker said New Zealand was in a similar position as other countries who had not yet received exemptions, but they were continuing to seek and exemption.
"The point of principle that lies behind the decisions that have been taken by the United States is hard to fathom," Mr Parker said.
Mr McClay asked: "Why has he not travelled to Washington to make the case for NZ steel and aluminum, where the Australian Trade Minister achieved a permanent exemption for Australian exporters following his visit?"
"I'm flattered that the Member thinks that I could achieve an exemption by visiting when [Japanese] Prime Minister Abe visited the US last week and was unable to get one," Mr Parker said.
He said he had offered to go a few weeks ago, but was advised "it wouldn't make a difference".
"We're continuing to try."
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