Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has fully recovered from a pre-Christmas operation.
A spokesperson confirmed Peters underwent a procedure in early December relating to an old rugby injury.
"He returned to Parliament in the final week before the House rose," they said.
"Now fully recovered he's set to undertake international travel in his capacity as Foreign Minister in the coming days."
Peters will depart for Kiribati in the coming days in what will be one of the few overseas trips he does this election year.
The 80-year-old last underwent surgery in office in 2020 after visiting his doctor with food poisoning symptoms and dehydration.
While the House won't sit until January 27, political parties are gearing up for the year ahead.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will deliver his state of the nation speech next Monday.
Both National and Labour are holding their away caucus retreats next week.
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