Criticism premature

The negative headline for Josie Pagani’s opinion piece yesterday discredits our prime minister at the start of her US trip (Ardern’s trip needs to deliver more on trade).

Pagani questions Ardern’s appearance on Stephen Colbert’s show and says our PM should use her charm ‘‘to persuade the US to come back to the CPTPP’’.

Actually, Ardern chatted with Colbert on day one of her week-long trip. Thus, Pagani’s comment is premature, especially considering that Ardern is over there to lead New Zealand’s trade mission and therefore will include those crucial trade talks.

Furthermore, Pagani is naive to suggest that we support China’s bid to join the CPTPP, with a proviso regarding its appalling record on human rights, when clearly China refuses to tolerate meddling in its affairs.

Instead of suggesting what our PM should do regarding trade, Pagani herself should feel proud and supportive of Ardern’s ‘‘international star power’’, whether delivering the commencement speech at Harvard, meeting with President Biden or sharing some friendly yet sincere chat and enjoying a few laughs with Stephen Colbert.

What a treat to see our PM relaxed and happy to meet up with such a loyal friend. Remember her long haul over recent years fronting the nation with grim and serious issues.

Lillian Glasson, Burnside