Peters said with the war ongoing, Hamas remaining the de facto government of Gaza, and no clarity on next steps, it was not prudent for New Zealand to move ahead with recognition.
“We are also concerned that a focus on recognition, in the current circumstances, could complicate efforts to secure a ceasefire by pushing Israel and Hamas into even more intransigent positions,” he said.
New Zealand continues to condemn actions by both Israel and Hamas that prolong the conflict, block a political solution, and undermine the viability of a Palestinian state.
“New Zealand has long been a staunch advocate of the two-state solution and a defender of Palestinians’ right to self-determination,” Peters said. “What is needed now more than ever is dialogue, diplomacy and leadership – not further conflict and extremism.”
He said New Zealanders had been shocked by “harrowing images of famine in Gaza,” “revolted by the grossly disproportionate military action from the Israeli Government,” and “disturbed by Israeli rhetoric and actions aimed at dismantling future prospects for a Palestinian state.”
Peters also condemned Hamas for its refusal to release hostages, its disregard for life, and its stated determination to destroy Israel. He stressed New Zealand’s concern was not with the Palestinian Authority, which he said faced very difficult circumstances, and confirmed New Zealand would continue to support strengthening its capability.
Peters reiterated that recognition of Palestine was not a question of if but when.
“Like every other New Zealand Government over the past 80 years, we hold the position that we will recognise a Palestinian state when the time is right,” he said.
He outlined conditions for recognition, including real actions towards the viability of a Palestinian state, Israel halting illegal settlements in the West Bank and returning to meaningful negotiations, the release of all hostages, the disbanding and disarmament of Hamas, and a renouncement of violence by all Palestinian leaders.
The Minister’s office confirmed the decision followed weeks of Cabinet-level discussion. Cabinet considered the matter on 11 August and 15 September, while the Cabinet Foreign Policy and Security Committee discussed it on 8 September. Cabinet material relating to these deliberations was proactively released today.
The Government also sought input from New Zealand’s diplomatic network, international partners, community groups, and opposition parties during the process. Peters spoke to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in New York ahead of today’s announcement to finalise the decision.
Recognition of Palestine remains a complex issue, Peters said, and one on which reasonable people can disagree.
“Some of our close partners have chosen to recognise Palestine, and others have not. We do not question the good intentions of those who have chosen to recognise Palestine at this time. Where we differ is on whether recognition now by New Zealand will make a tangible, positive contribution to the realisation of a two-state solution.”
New Zealand will continue to push for an immediate ceasefire, unfettered humanitarian access to Gaza, respect for international law by all parties, and an end to Israeli settlement activity.
To address the humanitarian crisis, New Zealand has announced an additional $10 million in aid, bringing the total contribution to $47.25 million. The funding will support UNICEF, the World Food Programme, and the International Committee of the Red Cross.
The Government said it remained conscious of the strong and divided views within New Zealand over recognition. Peters urged that the conflict must not fuel division at home, echoing comments from Ethnic Communities Minister Mark Mitchell that protest and free speech must never be twisted into hatred or intimidation.
“New Zealand’s balanced and careful approach to recognition is in line with our values, principles, and independent foreign policy,” Peters said.
Broadcaster Chris Lynch is an award winning journalist who also produces Christchurch news and video content for domestic and international companies. This article was originally published by Chris Lynch Media and is published here with kind permission.
New Zealand continues to condemn actions by both Israel and Hamas that prolong the conflict, block a political solution, and undermine the viability of a Palestinian state.
“New Zealand has long been a staunch advocate of the two-state solution and a defender of Palestinians’ right to self-determination,” Peters said. “What is needed now more than ever is dialogue, diplomacy and leadership – not further conflict and extremism.”
He said New Zealanders had been shocked by “harrowing images of famine in Gaza,” “revolted by the grossly disproportionate military action from the Israeli Government,” and “disturbed by Israeli rhetoric and actions aimed at dismantling future prospects for a Palestinian state.”
Peters also condemned Hamas for its refusal to release hostages, its disregard for life, and its stated determination to destroy Israel. He stressed New Zealand’s concern was not with the Palestinian Authority, which he said faced very difficult circumstances, and confirmed New Zealand would continue to support strengthening its capability.
Peters reiterated that recognition of Palestine was not a question of if but when.
“Like every other New Zealand Government over the past 80 years, we hold the position that we will recognise a Palestinian state when the time is right,” he said.
He outlined conditions for recognition, including real actions towards the viability of a Palestinian state, Israel halting illegal settlements in the West Bank and returning to meaningful negotiations, the release of all hostages, the disbanding and disarmament of Hamas, and a renouncement of violence by all Palestinian leaders.
The Minister’s office confirmed the decision followed weeks of Cabinet-level discussion. Cabinet considered the matter on 11 August and 15 September, while the Cabinet Foreign Policy and Security Committee discussed it on 8 September. Cabinet material relating to these deliberations was proactively released today.
The Government also sought input from New Zealand’s diplomatic network, international partners, community groups, and opposition parties during the process. Peters spoke to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in New York ahead of today’s announcement to finalise the decision.
Recognition of Palestine remains a complex issue, Peters said, and one on which reasonable people can disagree.
“Some of our close partners have chosen to recognise Palestine, and others have not. We do not question the good intentions of those who have chosen to recognise Palestine at this time. Where we differ is on whether recognition now by New Zealand will make a tangible, positive contribution to the realisation of a two-state solution.”
New Zealand will continue to push for an immediate ceasefire, unfettered humanitarian access to Gaza, respect for international law by all parties, and an end to Israeli settlement activity.
To address the humanitarian crisis, New Zealand has announced an additional $10 million in aid, bringing the total contribution to $47.25 million. The funding will support UNICEF, the World Food Programme, and the International Committee of the Red Cross.
The Government said it remained conscious of the strong and divided views within New Zealand over recognition. Peters urged that the conflict must not fuel division at home, echoing comments from Ethnic Communities Minister Mark Mitchell that protest and free speech must never be twisted into hatred or intimidation.
“New Zealand’s balanced and careful approach to recognition is in line with our values, principles, and independent foreign policy,” Peters said.
Broadcaster Chris Lynch is an award winning journalist who also produces Christchurch news and video content for domestic and international companies. This article was originally published by Chris Lynch Media and is published here with kind permission.
24 comments:
When will everyready peters start slowing down?
An excellent speech Mr Peters
Now, how about coming home and reinstating the rule of law (you admonished the un for not upholding) in NZ.
Kiwi battlers need fair competition laws to be policed and upheld in NZ to eliminate NZs high cost of living and low productivity.
You could start by sacking anyone selected for high paying government jobs on any basis other then merit..... and the people who hired them.
The one way ticket to Sweden would be a bargain for taxpayers.
And don't worry about Nicola Ardern oops Willis,
The banks and supermarkets have already done a deal to.look after her.
So you didn't join the "walk out" Peters.
Netanyahu visibly SHAKEN as the majority of UN delegates stormed out of General Assembly Hall as he was about to speak. He was booed and jeered while the UN speaker tried to calm down the situation:
https://x.com/Megatron_ron/status/1971572246646034453?
Absolutely the correct decision.
I am so proud of Winston !!!!!
Bravo - wisdom and courage amidst the theatrics
Now full steam ahead with the same in NZ towards 2026.
The walkout was childish, but not unexpected. The UN is meant to be a place to debate ideas. Now, debate is the last thing these children can do.
I am relieved. I do not wish to be more ashamed of my once lovely country than I already am.
Great and sane position, thanks Winston. Now please come back and deal with our local version of Hamas and those who are seeking to instil apartheid (sorry I mean exacerbate and solidify that which already exists) in our great Country. Charity ... and everything else ... begins at home.
I have never been more proud to be a NZer. Thank you Luxon for making it clear that we neither stand with terrorists nor do we support genocide!
A sensible decision from the government - for once. It's a shame they can't be as decisive about sovereignty in NZ.
CXH If you need to have a debate about the rights and wrongs of genocide, ethnic cleansing and murder, there is something seriously wrong with you
Anon. 17th 1205. Yesterday I wondered why 7 of 10 contributors withold your real names. What have they got to be afraid of from the bureaucracies and the NZ Government, I thought. If Prof MacCulloch from one of our rabid universities can manage it, why not the rest of you? Oh wait.. My Bank closed me out, my Visa doesn't work, my passport went blank for three months, and the 2026 worldwide debt credit collapse will hit NZ like a bomb
On this occasion, well done Mr Peters. I also agree with the general sentiments expressed by the commentators and especially that of the latter Anon@4.52. The former (at the same time) needs to appreciate it's not "genocide" what's happening in Gaza - that's what happened in our own backyard in the Chatham Islands 190 years ago!
I watch his speech. He didn’t seem shaken up at all to me.
Well done, Winston. Don't be bullied by the antisemetic communists here in NZ.
Hamas started this war, and they illegally hold hostages - without naming them or allowing Red Cross access - against all conventions of war - and most of them have died long horrible deaths anyway. The hostages are the ones who are starving - look at the Hamas thugs - they all look overweight.
Israel has no choice about continuing to fight - Hamas has vowed to kill all Jews and wipe out Israel, and keep trying until it succeeds.
And yet Israel warns Palestinians to flee from targeted areas before they attack - unprecedented in war.
I agree!!
The UN, as several leaders said has lost it's remit, more conflicts are raging today than ever since inception. The speeches from Italy, Finland and Argentina were impressive IMHO.
Once upon a time Leaders lead from the frontlines, today they hide in bunkers, fly around the world for peace talks, but never seem to meet together at the Security Council which is the UNs job.
Thank you Mr Peters for your fortitude and diplomacy. Sadly, it won't please everyone, but conflicts are at a stalemate.
As a child, I could never understand during conflicts, donations were always sort for the starving and the children but somehow there was never a problem getting arm and ammo?? Still has me baffled!!
I agree with 'Peter'. A real genocide happened in the Chathams in the 1830's but the perpetrators of that one got compensated for their actions by taxpayers recently. Go figure.
Publicly funded outlets like RNZ claim to deliver impartial, fact-based reporting — if their own internal review is to be believed. When they don’t, they deserve the same scrutiny they so happily dish out to everyone else (read the current democratically elected coalition government).
That’s why the 28 September RNZ story by Ellen O’Dwyer — “Christchurch Palestinian slams Peters’ UN speech” — deserves a closer look.
It’s a case study in how empathy can eclipse journalism.
O’Dwyer hands the microphone to Yasser Abdulal, described only as a “Christchurch Palestinian,” without telling readers who he is, how long he’s been here, or whether he speaks for himself, an organisation or a movement. His family story is moving, but his sweeping claims about genocide, death tolls and New Zealand’s “isolation from the whole world” are printed as if self-evident.
Hard context is missing. Around 140 UN members recognise Palestine — a majority, yes, but not “the whole world.” Our major partners — the US, Japan, Singapore and South Korea — do not. That’s an important reality check O’Dwyer never supplies.
Most glaringly, she never asks Abdulal the basic “so what” question: what would New Zealand’s recognition of Palestine actually achieve beyond a piece of paper? Would it end Hamas control, free hostages, or improve aid access? Or ask what he thinks recognition would solve right now?
Without that, the piece becomes a one-sided lament dressed up as news.
Even the government’s rationale and Luxon’s view that premature recognition can be counterproductive — is buried at the bottom of the story, where most readers never reach.
Publicly funded journalism should do better than amplifying outrage without analysis.
If RNZ wants to run an op-ed, fine — but calling it news while omitting the essential questions is exactly why public trust in state media keeps falling.
Hamas gave similarities to Maori in that they want to control their countries by their radical elite without proper elections.
Paul, if Israel is committing genocide they are not very good at it. They try and feed the victims. They try and warn them when they should leave. Doesn't sound much like genocide to me.
As for walking out at the UN, childish behavior by a bunch of spoilt children. There is no chance of moving forward if you refuse to listen.
Perhaps it is worth remembering that Palestine was recognised by many countries the most countries in the late 80s. So - has it done any difference to the Palestinian folks in the last 40 years?
It was inevitable. The moment Christopher Luxon’s government signalled it would not recognise Palestinian statehood -yet - at the UN, the country’s left-leaning media outlets moved into full-court press. Stuff, NZ Herald, TVNZ, RNZ — all still nursing a post-2023 election blues since Labour’s defeat.
On 28 September, that grief coalesced into twin stories that might as well have been written from the same template: Gregory Fortuin, the South African-origin former Race Relations Commissioner, condemning the Government in language designed to sting. On a dry news day,
Raphael Franks at the Herald and Phoebe Utteridge at Stuff ran near-simultaneous articles elevating Fortuin as a moral authority on Palestine.
The framing was almost identical: a sympathetic former commissioner drawing parallels with apartheid, accusing the Government of waiting for genocide to be completed before acting, and scolding Winston Peters and Christopher Luxon for “torturous logic.”
This is not a coincidence; it is a case study. The pipeline of cadet programmes and newswire habits means the same press availability or emailed quotes appear under two different mastheads, dressed up in slightly different tones. One stripped-down hard-news piece, one emotive feature with Gaza body counts and advocacy quotes — both reinforcing the same moral narrative.
Missing in action: the current Race Relations Commissioner, Israeli or Jewish voices in the Herald, and any real testing of Fortuin’s claims. The effect is a single sympathetic source being amplified across multiple platforms, generating an echo chamber that flatters readers’ sense of moral urgency but leaves the hard questions unasked.
Netanyahu was not shaken by the walk out, he is well used to half-wits. If he was shaking at all, it was with controlling the rage. A rage that is akin to the confusion felt in one's mind when suppressing the urge to choke the living bejesus out of someone (or group of someones) that really deserves it.
CXH It all depends, of course, on how conditioned you are, how much TV you watch and whether your eyes can actually see. I bet you have a real name CXH,
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