New Zealand Ministry of
Foreign Affairs and Trade
Manatū Aorere
28 June 2022
195 Lambton Quay
Private Bag 18−901
Wellington 6160
New Zealand
Andrew Li
T +64 4 439 8000
[FYI request #19390 email]
F +64 4 472 9596
OIA 28101
Tēnā koe Andrew Li
I refer to your request transferred from the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet on
27 May 2022 for the following under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA):
I am seeking all communications between the office of the Prime Minister, with MFAT and
Nanaia Mahuta, relating to the ongoing zionist attacks against the legitimate population of
Palestine, and relating to how statements by the Ardern government in regards the zionist
entity and its continuing attacks on the native Palestinian population should be handled.
The following information has been provided in summary form, in accordance with section
16(1)(e) of the OIA.
Aotearoa New Zealand has a strong history of protecting and promoting the rights of the
Palestinian people, and has been vocal about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Officials provide
advice to Ministers on events in relation to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and appropriate
responses to those events. We are selective in making public statements, but these complement
representations made in private, following judgments made about the most productive course of
action. The New Zealand Government has previously condemned escalation in tensions as
appropriate in the United Nations (UN) Security Council, the UN General Assembly and the UN
Human Rights Council.
International law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law,
informs Aotearoa New Zealand’s foreign policy and multilateral engagements, including with
Israel and on issues related to Israel. New Zealand expects all states, including Israel, to comply
with their obligations under international law.
Aotearoa New Zealand is closely following events unfolding in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and
has been concerned at the recent increase in tensions in the region, including the violence in
and around Al Aqsa Mosque.
Aotearoa New Zealand will continue to pursue a principled approach to the Middle East Peace
Process, including support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This is the
best path for a durable and lasting peace in the region.
Please note that we may publish this letter (with your personal details redacted) on the
Ministry’s website.
e [email address]
w www.mfat.govt.nz
Page 2 of 2
You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of this decision by
contacting
www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or freephone 0800 802 602.
Nāku noa, nā
Julie-Anne Lee
for Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade