Skip to main content

In September 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed it was providing consular assistance to a New Zealand citizen in detention in the United States who had reportedly been held since August 2025 after being accused of assaulting a police officer in circumstances the individual disputes; can the Minister provide an update on this case and advise whether this New Zealand citizen remains in US detention?

Answered Question 18006 (2026)
Question published
Reply lodged
Bookmark

Asked by

Vanushi Walters

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • In September 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed it was providing consular assistance to a New Zealand citizen in detention in the United States who had reportedly been held since August 2025 after being accused of assaulting a police officer in circumstances the individual disputes; can the Minister provide an update on this case and advise whether this New Zealand citizen remains in US detention?

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

No. We cannot comment on individual consular cases for privacy reasons.