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Why did the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade not initiate contact with the New Zealand citizens detained in May 2026 sooner, when reports indicate the earliest direct contact those Global Sumud Flotilla participants received was an email sent approximately one month after their return to New Zealand? and 2 other questions

Answered 29607, 29608, 29609 (2026)
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Asked by

Vanushi Walters

List MP · Labour Party

Questions

  • 29607

    Why did the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade not initiate contact with the New Zealand citizens detained in May 2026 sooner, when reports indicate the earliest direct contact those Global Sumud Flotilla participants received was an email sent approximately one month after their return to New Zealand?

  • 29608

    On what date, if at all, did the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade first make direct contact with each of the New Zealand citizens who participated in the Global Sumud Flotilla and were detained in May 2026, following that citizen's return to New Zealand, and by what means was that contact made?

  • 29609

    What specific steps, if any, has the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade taken to obtain information from the New Zealand citizens who participated in the Global Sumud Flotilla and were detained in May 2026 after their vessel was intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters, regarding those citizens' allegations that they were assaulted during and after their detention by the Israel Defense Forces, and on what date was each such step taken?

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade contacted the families of the three New Zealanders detained in May 2026 as official confirmation was received of their interception. This occurred on 19 May 2026. Consular officals remained in contact with family representatives on 20 and 21 May to provide updates on the situation and confirm their arrival in a third country. On 16 June 2026, consular officials from the Ministry emialed the family contacts of these New Zealanders seeking information on their experience in custody anf their consent to raise any allegations with Israeli authorities. To date, none of the individuals have provided their consent for officials to make further representations. The Ministry previously contacted the families of two of these participants on 5 May seeking the same information in relation to previous flotilla activity.