Released documents show NZ government advised full recognition of Palestine — advice declined

Newly released government papers show that New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) urged the Government to fully recognise a Palestinian state earlier this year. Read more

NZ Foreign Minister condemns Hamas, reaffirms two-state support, and decries civilian suffering on all sides

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NZ urges Kiwis to flee ‘arc of danger’ as Israel-Iran conflict escalates

New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters has issued a stark warning to Kiwis in Israel and Iran, urging them to evacuate the “arc of danger” as the conflict between the two nations intensifies. Read more

NZ sanctions Israeli ministers ahead of UN peace talks, drawing US rebuke

The New Zealand Government has imposed targeted sanctions on two Israeli cabinet ministers, sparking a diplomatic clash with the United States just days ahead of a major United Nations conference aimed at reviving peace efforts between Israel and the Palestinians. Read more

NZ deputy PM likens previous Ardern government to Nazis

New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters has set off a frenzy for likening the previous government’s power-sharing policies with Maori to Nazi ideology. Read more

New Zealand says no to Hamas and extremist Israeli settlers

In one day, New Zealand has banned entry to Israeli settlers who have committed violent attacks and have proscribed Hamas as a terrorist entity in its entirety. Read more

NZ Labour labels Israel’s attack on Gaza as genocide

New Zealand Labour has labelled Israel’s attacks in Gaza as genocide in a parliamentary debate that ended with unanimous support for “urgent steps towards a ceasefire”. Read more

Former NZ Foreign Minister responds to his predecessor’s remark on Iranian diplomat

New Zealand National Party Foreign Affairs spokesperson and foreign minister in the recently defeated government Gerry Brownlee says reports that an Iranian diplomat delivered what was effectively a hate speech at an Auckland mosque in June raises questions as to why Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters hasn’t already required the withdrawal of the diplomat’s credentials and his removal from the country. Read more

UN Security Council Resolution 2334 criticised in NZ coalition agreement

Last week New Zealand’s new Prime Minister-elect, Jacinda Ardern, and New Zealand First leader and Deputy Prime Minister-elect, and likely Minister of Foreign Affairs, Winston Peters, signed a coalition agreement, which revealed the full extent of the policy wins obtained by New Zealand First in return for enabling the Labour Party to form a government. Read more

The new New Zealand Government

Well the outcome  of the coalition talks wasn’t as I advocated back on September 27 but we have an interesting situation now that the cabinet is known. In particular the four ministers and one under-secretary allocated to New Zealand First…writes John McCormick. Read more