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Will the Government seek a debate or vote in the House before committing any New Zealand Defence Force personnel to operations in the Middle East region, and if not, why not?

Answered Question 34249 (2026)
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Asked by

Damien O'Connor

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • Will the Government seek a debate or vote in the House before committing any New Zealand Defence Force personnel to operations in the Middle East region, and if not, why not?

Answered by

Hon Chris Penk

Member for Kaipara ki Mahurangi · National Party · Minister of Defence

Answer

The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) contributes to a number of missions across the Middle East Region as detailed publicly: https://www.nzdf.mil.nz/nzdf/operations-and-engagements/ If New Zealand received a request for support, any NZDF military operation in response would be a matter for the Cabinet to determine based on careful consideration of New Zealand interests.