New Zealand MP Winston Peters brands Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull an ‘Aussie gold digger’

A POPULIST Kiwi MP has savaged Malcolm Turnbull online, souring the Prime Minister’s otherwise perfectly lovely whirlwind tour of New Zealand.

Malcolm Turnbull at a press conference in Queenstown, New Zealand, this morning. Picture: Kym Smith

PRIME Minister Malcolm Turnbull has been branded an “Aussie gold digger” by a rebel Kiwi MP who could hold the balance of power in the New Zealand parliament later this year.

New Zealand First MP Winston Peters, described as having One Nation’s protectionism and Nick Xenophon’s populism, fired off the angry message in relation to Australian companies winning NZ government contracts.

TURNBULL: Banks should also get corporate tax cut

The fiery blast was the only diplomatic incident in what was otherwise smooth sailing in Mr Turnbull’s visit to Queenstown to met with New Zealand’s new Prime Minister Bill English.

Mr Peters took to social media during Mr Turnbull’s visit to complain that Australian airline Jetstar had been awarded a $223 million 10-year all-of-government travel contract, which could even see it carrying ministers.

New Zealand First party leader Winston Peters, pictured in 2015. Picture: Hannah Peters/Getty Images

“Let’s hope the PM is thinking about the national interest with Turnbull today. The “Aussie gold digger” might want another lucky strike,” Mr Peters posted on Twitter.

“They claim to be cheaper, English says it will save us money. But doesn’t he know it’s called “s … star” in its own country.

“Unless we stop this “Advancing Australia Fair” into our country it could well be a case of “God Defend New Zealand”.

The New Zealand elections will be held in September, with speculation Mr Peters could even be offered the Deputy Prime Minister role if he holds the balance of power.

Mr Turnbull today would not comment on the broadside or the potential for a protectionist to hold the balance of power in New Zealand, given the Trans-Tasman commitment to increasing free trade.

“I can’t run a commentary on New Zealand politics,” he said.

“The important thing is we have a great Prime Minister in Bill English and he had proven himself as a very effective economic manager over all of the period of the National government led by John Key.”

He did say “the intricacies” of negotiating with the Australian Senate and its cross bench was often discussed with New Zealand politicians.

“I think New Zealand often reflect that they have a one chamber Parliament and appreciate the simplicity that offers,” he said.

Getting to know the neighbours: Lucy Turnbull and Mary English lead husbands Malcolm and Bill on a morning walk in Queenstown. Picture: Kym Smith

Mr Turnbull’s diplomatic relations with Mr English did improve from the trip.

He returned to Australia today after a whirlwind 23-hour visit where trade, security and economic reform topped the agenda.

After a private dinner last night between the Prime Ministers and their wives, Lucy Turnbull and Dr Mary English, the two couples went for an early morning walk along Queenstown’s lake.

Mr Turnbull said it had been a good opportunity to build relationships between two countries and each other.

“We have had a great discussion yesterday at a business level. We had a very enjoyable dinner last night and we’ve got an opportunity to know each other much better,” he said.

New Zealand's Prime Mnister Bill English (l) and his Australian counterpart Malcolm Turnbull talking in Queenstown on Friday. Picture: AFP/Esther Small

“I’m looking forward to seeing more of Bill, I’m looking forward to getting him out on a Kayak, I’ve invited him to do that.”

Mr Turnbull last year took Mr English’s predecessor John Key for a Kayak tour of Sydney Harbour.

Originally published as New Zealand MP Winston Peters brands Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull an ‘Aussie gold digger’