A former Defence Minister says we can't be missing in action on the world stage. 

Newly minted minister Paul Goldsmith won't go to a high level meeting between New Zealand, Australia and Japan's defence ministers this week.

He only picked up the role after Chris Penk's failed leadership bid last week saw him lose all his portfolios. 

Former Defence Minister Wayne Mapp says Goldsmith probably has too many portfolios on his plate. 

"Some would say 12 portfolios is too many - it does feel like this is just a holding position til the election."  

LISTEN ABOVE

A former Defence Minister says we can't be missing in action on the world stage.&nbsp;
Newly minted minister Paul Goldsmith won't go to a high level meeting between New Zealand, Australia and Japan's defence ministers this week.
He only picked up the role after Chris Penk's failed leadership bid last week saw him lose all his portfolios.&nbsp;
Former Defence Minister Wayne Mapp says Goldsmith probably has too many portfolios on his plate.&nbsp;
"Some would say 12 portfolios is too many - it does feel like this is just a holding position til the election."&nbsp;&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

With a straight down the middle approach, Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive on Newstalk ZB delivers the very latest news and views to New Zealanders as they wrap up their day.

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Wayne Mapp: former Defence Minister on Paul Goldsmith missing meeting with Australia and Japan

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/8d519bdb-4462-415d-b165-b4aa00609efa/transcript