IINZ Welcomes New Zealand Government’s Principled Stance on Palestinian Statehood
The Israel Institute of New Zealand (IINZ) welcomes Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ announcement at the United Nations General Assembly that New Zealand will not prematurely recognise a Palestinian state.
IINZ Director Dr David Cumin said:
“We thank Minister Peters and the coalition government for their principled and pragmatic position. Recognising Palestinian statehood at this time would reward Hamas, the terrorist organisation that launched the October 7 massacre, continues to hold Israeli hostages, and openly rejects peace and coexistence with Israel. New Zealand’s decision places the emphasis where it should be: on security, governance, and genuine steps towards peace.”
The government reaffirmed that statehood must be based on viable governance, democracy, and institution-building, and that Hamas must release all hostages, disarm, and renounce terrorism before such recognition can be considered.
“This prudent approach strengthens New Zealand’s international reputation as an independent and thoughtful voice on the world stage,” Dr Cumin said. “It sends a clear signal that rhetoric and propaganda cannot substitute for real compromise and responsible leadership.”
The Israel Institute of New Zealand reiterates its call for the immediate release of all hostages, an end to Hamas rule in Gaza, and a return to direct negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians aimed at building a durable and just peace.
Coalition Of Ministers Congratulates NZ Decision
The Coalition of Ministers Supporting Israel in New Zealand applauds the New Zealand decision revealed by Foreign Minister Winston Peters at the United Nations today.
To have recognised “Palestine” would have been to reward the actions of terrorists groups like Hamas and corrupt governing bodies like the Palestinian Authority.
The decision today shows that our country is not counted among the gutless nations who are not prepared to counter terrorism.
Well done PM Christopher Luxon and FM Winston Peters.
Beehive Delegation Thanks Government for Listening
A delegation of Christian and community leaders which called on the Government to hold a firm line on Palestinian statehood on August 19 in the Beehive, warning that premature recognition would reward terrorism and undermine peace, expresses its gratitude to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and to the Government Coalition for listening.
The delegation consisting of Pastor Nigel Woodley, Ph.D., Hon Alfred Ngaro, Dr Sheree Trotter, Dr Ate Moala, and Bryce Turner wishes to make the following statement:
On behalf of the tens of thousands of people from diverse communities we represent, we congratulate The Right Honourable Winston Peters for his prudent decision to not recognise Palestinian statehood at this time.
We congratulate Winston Peters for not bowing to populist pressure and the intense propaganda campaign.
We join with Peters in calling for “the release by Hamas of all the hostages it holds; the disbanding and disarmament of Hamas; and the renouncement of violence by all Palestinian leaders who have yet to do so.”
Peters will go down in history for his statesmanlike presence on the world stage in calling for that which is so desperately needed in the current climate – “dialogue, diplomacy and leadership – not further conflict and extremism”.
Delegation Spokesperson – Pastor Nigel Woodley
But Alternative Jewish Voices were “deeply disappointed” by the Government’s decision. Read their statement HERE.
And Dayenu: NZ Jews Against the Occupation said they were “appalled” by the Government’s decision. Read their statement HERE.
