Protests in New Zealand over refusal to recognize Palestine

The New Zealand government has triggered a wave of public anger and disappointment after officially announcing it would not recognize the State of Palestine at this time. 

The decision placed Wellington at odds with its traditional allies, Britain, Canada, and Australia who recently joined the majority of the world in recognizing Palestine.

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Opposition politicians and prominent public figures, including former Prime Minister Helen Clark, condemned the move, saying it put New Zealand “very much on the wrong side of history.” 

The announcement came from Foreign Minister Winston Peters during his speech at the UN General Assembly on Saturday. 

“With a war raging, Hamas remaining the de facto government of Gaza, and no clarity on next steps, too many questions remain about the future state of Palestine for it to be prudent for New Zealand to announce recognition at this time,” Peters said. 

This stance marked a retreat from earlier statements by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who had said recognition of Palestine was a matter of “when, not if.”

Opposition parties such as the Labor Party joined the criticism, calling the move "embarrassment.” 

Others like the Green Party said the refusal marks a “stain” on New Zealand's reputation as a voice for peace and justice. 

On Monday, members of the Anglican and Catholic clergy chained themselves to the immigration minister’s Auckland office in protest at the decision.

Luxon defended his government’s stance, saying New Zealand could be proud of taking an independent decision. 

“We’re not pro-Palestine, we’re not pro-Israel, we’re friends to both, but we are pro-peace and that’s what New Zealand’s continued to advocate for with 80-plus ministerial statements,” Luxon said.