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Search written questions to Ministers and the replies they have received.

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Showing 451 to 500 of 1124 written question sets.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Vanushi Walters

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    When did the Minister of Foreign Affairs first become aware of the United States State Department's campaign, announced on 13 July 2026, which includes diplomatic calls urging other nations to withdraw from the International Criminal…

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

Officials provided an update on 14 July, following the announcement by the United States Secretary of State on 13 July.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Vanushi Walters

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Has the Minister of Foreign Affairs received any request, formal or informal, from the United States Government that New Zealand withdraw from the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, and if so, on what date and from whom?

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

No.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Vanushi Walters

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What correspondence, if any, has the Minister of Foreign Affairs or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade received from the United States Government since 1 January 2025 concerning New Zealand's membership of the International Criminal…

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade received official correspondence from the United States Government on 17 July, following the announcement by United States Secretary of State on 13 July.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Vanushi Walters

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Does the Government consider that New Zealand has an obligation under the Rome Statute to cooperate with ICC arrest warrants issued against nationals of non-States Parties who enter New Zealand territory; if so, what steps has the…

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

The Rome Statute requires all States Parties to cooperate fully with the Court. This includes cooperating with arrest warrants. New Zealand's International Crimes and International Criminal Court Act 2000 (The Act) provides that the Rome…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Teanau Tuiono

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What advice, reports, briefings, aide memoires, or any other documents has the Minister or any member of their Office requested, if any, during the week beginning 27 July 2026, by title and date?

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade publishes a monthly list of titles of advice to Ministers, by the end of the month after the advice is provided. I refer the member to that list, which can be found here:…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Teanau Tuiono

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What advice, reports, briefings, aide memoires, or any other documents has the Minister or any member of their Office requested, if any, during the week beginning 27 July 2026, by title and date?

Answered by

Hon Todd McClay

Member for Rotorua · National Party · Associate Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

The titles of advice I have received as Associate Minister of Foreign Affairs are proactively released each month on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade website at the following link:…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Teanau Tuiono

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What events or meetings, if any, did the Minister decline to attend during the week beginning 27 July 2026, including location, event description, and attendees?

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

Refer to the response to WPQ 10239 (2026).

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Teanau Tuiono

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What events or meetings, if any, did the Minister decline to attend during the week beginning 27 July 2026, including location, event description, and attendees?

Answered by

Hon Todd McClay

Member for Rotorua · National Party · Associate Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

I refer the member to answer to written parliamentary question 31764 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Vanushi Walters

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What aides-mémoire, briefings, memos, notes, reports, or any other advice, if any, has the Minister or their Office received during the week beginning 27 July 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?

Answered by

Hon Todd McClay

Member for Rotorua · National Party · Associate Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

The titles of advice I have received as Associate Minister of Foreign Affairs are proactively released each month on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade website at the following link:…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Vanushi Walters

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What aides-mémoire, briefings, memos, notes, reports, or any other advice, if any, has the Minister or their Office received during the week beginning 27 July 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade publishes a monthly list of titles of advice to Ministers, by the end of the month after the advice is provided. I refer the member to that list, which can be found here:…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Vanushi Walters

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 27 July 2026, by title and date?

Answered by

Hon Todd McClay

Member for Rotorua · National Party · Associate Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

None.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Vanushi Walters

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 27 July 2026, by title and date?

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

With the exception of Cabinet Appointments and Honours (APH) papers and minutes, all Cabinet and Cabinet committee papers and minutes must be proactively released and published online within 30 business days of final decisions being taken…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Vanushi Walters

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Was New Zealand asked, at or following the resurgence of political terrorism meeting on 16 July 2026, to designate any organisation as a terrorist entity, and if so, which one(s)?

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

No. New Zealand did not make any commitments. No specific follow-up actions were agreed.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Vanushi Walters

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What position, if any, did New Zealand's representative convey at the resurgence of political terrorism meeting on 16 July 2026 regarding the characterisation of "far-left terrorism" as a transnational threat?

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

Attendance at the meeting at a New Zealand Embassy level provided the chance to talk to our threat landscape and our approach to protecting the country through a coordinated, effective counter-terrorism system, with a key focus on…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How much, if any, is the total (finalised) budget in the Minister's departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, for the 2026/27 financial year on artificial intelligence-…

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

In the 2026/27 financial year the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Asia New Zealand have no budget allocated for artificial intelligence. Antarctica New Zealand pay NZ$100/month for a recruitment tool add-on for QJumpers.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What public engagement surveys, if any, are planned or currently underway regarding the use of artificial intelligence in the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if…

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

None.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How much, if any, has been spent in the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, on consultants who advise on public sector reform management or similar, since 27…

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

Since 27 November 2023, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has spent NZ$308,271 (excl. gst) on consultants who have provided advice on public sector reform management. This relates to the Operating Model Review of MFAT's International…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How much, if any, is budgeted to be spent in the 2026/27 financial year in the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, on consultants who advise on public sector…

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

None.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What public engagement surveys, if any, have been completed regarding the use of artificial intelligence in the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, since 27…

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

No public engagement surveys, relating to the use of aritificial intelligence, have been completed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Asia New Zealand Foundation, and Antarctica New Zealand.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What automated approvals, if any, are currently operating within the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any?

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

There are currently no automated approval processes operating within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the Asia New Zealand Foundation does not use automated approvals. Antarctica New Zealand does use two automated 'Request…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What procurement process, if any, was used for purchasing artificial intelligence tools, if any, currently being used within the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if…

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

Microsoft Copilot chat, which is currently used within the Ministry of Ofreign Affairs and Trade, is licensed under a pre-existing technology license. Antarctica New Zealand has not directly procured any standalone Artificial Intelligence…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Francisco Hernandez

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What algorithm impact assessments, if any, have been done in the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, since 27 November 2023?

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

No algorithm impact assessments have been done in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade or at The Asia New Zealand Foundation since 27 November 2023. Antarctica New Zealand has not deployed any algorithm projects.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Vanushi Walters

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How many organisations, if any, is the Government currently considering designating as terrorist entities under the Terrorism Suppression Act 2002 on the basis of left-wing or "anti-fascist" ideology?

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

New Zealand does not use the terms "left wing" and "right wing", when describing different forms of terrorist motivations and has not done so for several years. Instead, we use the descriptors of Identity Motivated, Faith Motivated and…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Vanushi Walters

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What commitments, if any, did New Zealand make at the "resurgence of political terrorism" meeting on 16 July 2026, and what follow-up actions, if any, are expected of participating countries?

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

New Zealand did not make any commitments. No specific follow-up actions were agreed.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Vanushi Walters

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What advice, if any, did he receive from officials before New Zealand accepted the invitation to the "resurgence of political terrorism" meeting on 16 July 2026?

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade supplied; Informal Note - US invitation to the 'Ministerial on the resurgence of Political Terrorism'. This document outlined the purpose of the meeting and proposed attendance by the NZ Deputy…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Vanushi Walters

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Does the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service's most recent threat assessment identify far-left or left-wing extremism as a significant terrorism threat in New Zealand, and if so, in what terms?

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

Officials continue to see a range of motivations with no one ideology dominating. Identity and faith motivasted ideologies remain the most common, but we also see a small number of violent extremists motivated by political or single…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Vanushi Walters

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What was the total cost, if any, to New Zealand of attending the United States-hosted "resurgence of political terrorism" meeting in Washington DC on 16 July 2026?

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

There was no additional cost as New Zealand covered the meeting from the Embassy in Washington D.C. in line with regular duties.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Vanushi Walters

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Which official represented New Zealand at the United States-hosted "resurgence of political terrorism" ministerial meeting in Washington DC on 16 July 2026, and at what level of seniority?

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

New Zealand was represented at the meeting by New Zealand's Deputy Head of mission Daniel Mellsop.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Duncan Webb

Member for Christchurch Central · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Did New Zealand vote for or against the removal of International Criminal Court chief prosecutor, Karim Khan?

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

The Assembly of States Parties to the International Criminal Court took the final decision on removal by secret ballot. New Zealand has a practice of not commenting on votes cast in secret ballot proceedings.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Teanau Tuiono

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What response, if any, has the Government made about the recent attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinian communities in the occupied West Bank and if so has that included any direct communication with the Government of Israel?

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

New Zealand has been clear and consistent about grave concerns regarding Israel's actions in the West Bank, including throughout 2026. We will continue to put these concerns to Israel publicly, directly, and in multilateral fora such as…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Teanau Tuiono

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What response, if any, has the Government made about the latest report of the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel concerning Palestinian…

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

New Zealand has consistently outlined our grave concerns about Israel's actions in Gaza and the West Bank, including our expectations that internatioanl law is upheld, this report offers further evidence of the appalling cost of the…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Teanau Tuiono

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Does the Government intend to execute any arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court if the subjects of those warrants enter New Zealand and if so does this include Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and; if not, why…

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

New Zealand is a State Party to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. The Rome Statute requires all States Parties to cooperate fully with the Court. This includes cooperating with arrest warrants.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Teanau Tuiono

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Did New Zealand vote in favour of, abstain on, or vote against any proposal relating to the removal of Mr Karim Khan as Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court?

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

The Assembly of States Parties to the International Criminal Court took the final decision on removal by secret ballot. New Zealand has a practice of not commenting on votes cast in secret ballot proceedings.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Teanau Tuiono

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What correspondence, if any, including letters, emails, text messages, WhatsApp, signal, or any other form of electronic communication, has the Minister or any member of their office sent or received about Karim Khan in their role as chief…

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

Several email updates were received from officials on the disciplinary proceedings involving Mr Karim Khan between 27 March and 28 July 2026. A submission titles, International Criminl Court Special Session of Assembly of States Parties,…

Questions published
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Questions

  • Asked by

    Vanushi Walters

    List MP · Labour Party

    33604 (matches this search)

    Question published

    Why did New Zealand abstain, rather than vote in favour or against, on the United Nations General Assembly vote on 24 July 2026 to reappoint Volker Türk as United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights?

  • Asked by

    Teanau Tuiono

    List MP · Green Party

    33662 (matches this search)

    Question published

    Why did New Zealand abstain on a vote to reappoint Volker Türk as United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights?

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

A decision was taken by officials to abstain because, once debate of the relevant resolution was underway at the UN General Assembly in New York, additional information emerged which had not been apparent at the time that voting…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Teanau Tuiono

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What made the vote to reappoint Volker Turk as United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights a ‘procedural matter’ for New Zealand?

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

The Secretary General's proposal to reappoint Volker Turk as High Commissioner for Human Rights was undertaken under the procedure set out in the relevant General Assembly resolution; that is, the High Commissioner for Human Rights is…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Teanau Tuiono

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    Does the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade have the authority to make decisions on United Nations votes without consulting the Minister, if so, in what circumstances?

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

Yes. The United Nations General Assembly votes on hundreds of matters every year. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade generally makes decisions when they are procedural in nature or consistent with policy settings.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Teanau Tuiono

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    How did New Zealand vote on the decision to remove Karim Khan as the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court?

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

The Bureau of the Assembly of States Parties (ASP) to the International Criminal Court (ICC) recommended the ASP decide to remove the ICC Prosecutor, Mr Karim Khan, for serious misconduct and breach of duty. New Zealand is a member of the…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Vanushi Walters

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 19 July 2026, by title and date?

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

With the exception of Cabinet Appointments and Honours (APH) papers and minutes must be proactively released and published online within 30 business days of final decisons being taken by Cabinet, unless there is no good reason not to…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Vanushi Walters

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 19 July 2026, by title and date?

Answered by

Hon Todd McClay

Member for Rotorua · National Party · Associate Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

None.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Vanushi Walters

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What aides-mémoire, briefings, memos, notes, reports, or any other advice, if any, has the Minister or their Office received during the week beginning 19 July 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade publishes a monthly list of titles of advice to Ministers, by the end of the month afte the advice is provided. Refer to that list which can be found here:…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Vanushi Walters

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What aides-mémoire, briefings, memos, notes, reports, or any other advice, if any, has the Minister or their Office received during the week beginning 19 July 2026, listed by agency, title and date received?

Answered by

Hon Todd McClay

Member for Rotorua · National Party · Associate Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

The titles of advice I have received as Associate Minister of Foreign Affairs are proactively released each month on the Ministry of Foreign Affair’s website at the following link: https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/about-us/ministerial-briefings

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Teanau Tuiono

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What events or meetings, if any, did the Minister decline to attend during the week beginning 20 July 2026, including location, event description, and attendees?

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

Refer to the response to WPQ 10239 (2026).

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Teanau Tuiono

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What events or meetings, if any, did the Minister decline to attend during the week beginning 20 July 2026, including location, event description, and attendees?

Answered by

Hon Todd McClay

Member for Rotorua · National Party · Associate Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

I refer the member to answer to written parliamentary question 31764 (2026)

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Teanau Tuiono

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 20 July 2026, by title and date?

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

With the exception of Cabinet Appointments and Honours (APH) papers and minutes, all Cabinet and Cabinet committee papers and minutes must be proactively released and published online within 30 business days of final decisions being taken…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Teanau Tuiono

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What papers, if any, did the Minister take to Cabinet during the week beginning 20 July 2026, by title and date?

Answered by

Hon Todd McClay

Member for Rotorua · National Party · Associate Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

None.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Teanau Tuiono

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What advice, reports, briefings, aide memoires, or any other documents has the Minister or any member of their Office requested, if any, during the week beginning 20 July 2026, by title and date?

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade publishes a monthly list of titles of advice to Ministers, by the end of the month after the advice is provided. I refer the member to that list, which can be found here:…

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Teanau Tuiono

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What advice, reports, briefings, aide memoires, or any other documents has the Minister or any member of their Office requested, if any, during the week beginning 20 July 2026, by title and date?

Answered by

Hon Todd McClay

Member for Rotorua · National Party · Associate Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

The titles of advice I have received as Associate Minister of Foreign Affairs are proactively released each month on the Ministry of Foreign Affair’s website at the following link: https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/about-us/ministerial-briefings

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Vanushi Walters

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What concerns, if any, does the Government hold about Volker Türk's performance as United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and did any such concerns contribute to New Zealand's abstention on the 24 July 2026 General Assembly…

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

As noted above, MFAT's decision to abstain was not a reflection of any view on the merits of the candidate.

Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Vanushi Walters

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • (matches this search)

    What concerns, if any, does the Government hold about the process by which Secretary-General António Guterres nominated Volker Türk for a second term as High Commissioner for Human Rights, and to what extent did any such process concerns,…

Answered by

Rt Hon Winston Peters

List MP · NZ First · Minister of Foreign Affairs

Answer

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade took the decison to abstain on Mr Turk's appointment for process reasons and not because of any views about the merits of the candidate. I was briefed on MFAT's decision to abstain after it was…