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Greg Bouwer
IINZ
A delegation of Christian and Community leaders has called on the government to hold a firm line on Palestinian statehood, warning that premature recognition would reward terrorism and undermine peace.
The delegation – Pastor Nigel Woodley, PhD, Hon Alfred Ngaro, Dr Sheree Trotter, Dr Ate Moala, and Bryce Turner – met with Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters’ advisors to press for a “Not Yet, and Not Until” position.
Their message was clear:
- Not yet, and not until all hostages are released by Hamas.
- Not yet, and not until Hamas is removed from Gaza’s governance.
- Not yet, and not until international criteria for statehood are met.
“Recognition must follow peace, not reward violence,” said Hon Alfred Ngaro. “New Zealand’s credibility depends on standing firm.” The delegation also warned that moving ahead alone could isolate New Zealand from allies like the US, and Dr Sheree Trotter stressed “the importance of consulting Jewish, Christian, and the broader communities at home”.
Advisors acknowledged the need for conditions before recognition and confirmed plans for wider parliamentary consultation.
“New Zealand should lead with principle: not yet, and not until the foundations for real peace are in place,” said Pastor Nigel Woodley.
This article was originally published by the Israel Institute of New Zealand.
