Will's Word: Seymour steps up again while coalition partners work the world stage

David Seymour is back in the big chair this week while Christopher Luxon and Winston Peters are off on their diplomatic adventures.

Luxon’s in Vietnam talking trade while Peters is schmoosing the Middle East and trying to ease tensions with China.

As for Seymour? Well, he’s keeping things running back home - again.

This is the sixth time Seymour has been acting Prime Minister, which is pretty funny considering he’s not even officially Deputy PM yet - that's not until May.

At this rate, he might end up logging more days as Prime Minister than some full-time leaders before his promotion kicks in.

If nothing else, perhaps it’s good practice? He's basically in the political equivalent of a long, unpaid internship before he finally gets the title.

Meanwhile, Luxon and Peters are out there doing what politicians love most - looking important on the world stage.

Luxon is in Vietnam talking up trade and economic opportunities, while Peters is making the rounds in China.

The meeting with the Chinese Foreign Minister and discussing regional and global issues of interest, of course, is very important for us.

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Don’t get me wrong - trade talks and foreign relations absolutely matter but the real question is: Will anything actually come from these trips?

Will Kiwis feel a tangible impact? Or will it be just another "grip-and-grin" as they like to call it in this industry, which is basically just a whole lot of discussion and a bit of handshaking.

We've seen it before - leaders jet off, make big promises, return home with nothing more than a well-rehearsed speech about strengthening ties.

At the very least, Seymour’s unofficial part-time gig as acting PM keeps things interesting, especially with his prized, controversial Treaty Principles Bill currently getting submissions.

With Luxon and Peters constantly on the move, maybe he should start invoicing for the extra shifts?

That’s Will’s Word.