New Zealand faces backlash for refusing to recognize Palestinian State
3 Min Read
The move contradicts previous statements by New Zealand's PM who announced that the recognition of Palestine was only a matter of time.
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New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon attends a wreath laying service at the New Zealand War Memorial in remembrance of the sacrifices made by New Zealand during the World Wars, at Hyde Park Corner in London, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung), File)
Amid a wave of global support for Palestinian statehood recognition, New Zealand's decision to withhold official acknowledgment has drawn significant domestic and international criticism.
As of September 2025, 157 out of 193 UN member states have recognized Palestine. Recent announcements by the UK, Canada, and Australia intensified pressure on other nations to follow suit. Despite Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's previous remarks that recognition was a matter of "when, not if," New Zealand has chosen to hold back.
During his address at the UN General Assembly, Foreign Minister Winston Peters reaffirmed New Zealand's commitment to a "two-state solution" but stopped short of recognizing Palestine.
"With a war raging, Hamas remaining the de facto government of Gaza, and no clarity on next steps, too many questions remain about the future state of Palestine for it to be prudent for New Zealand to announce recognition at this time," Peters stated, expressing concern that premature recognition might hinder ceasefire efforts.
Domestic outcry, political tensions
The announcement triggered immediate backlash. Opposition parties, human rights organizations, and faith leaders condemned the move. Members of the Anglican and Catholic clergy staged a protest by chaining themselves to the immigration minister's office in Auckland.
Justice for Palestine criticized the government's stance as "a profound lack of leadership," portraying the country as uncertain about its global role.
Former Prime Minister Helen Clark remarked that New Zealand was on "the wrong side of history." She emphasized that as more countries support Palestinian statehood recognition, New Zealand's hesitation appears increasingly out of step.
New Zealand prevaricates on whether to recognise Palestine as a state, or not.
— Sharon Murdoch (@domesticanimal) September 23, 2025
My #cartoon today #NZpol #Palestine #Gaza pic.twitter.com/m3jkUHBZ0t
Government defends position
Domestically, the Green Party labeled the decision "a stain" on New Zealand's reputation as a peace advocate, while the Labour Party called it an "embarrassment." Labour's Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Peeni Henare, stated, "Luxon had a chance to stand up for what is right, but he failed. Recognition of Palestine and sanctions on Israel send a clear message to Israel and the world: New Zealand will not stand by while Israel disregards human life and dignity, and international law."
Tens of thousands recently marched through central Auckland demanding action. Still, the Luxon-led coalition has defended its stance. Speaking to RNZ, Luxon claimed New Zealand maintained neutrality: "We're not pro-Palestine, we're not pro-Israel, we're friends to both, but we are pro-peace."
This morning, Christopher Luxon said New Zealanders should be proud of not recognising Palestine as a State.
— Chris Hipkins (@chrishipkins) September 28, 2025
Out of touch and embarrassing.
A spokesperson for Peters reiterated New Zealand’s commitment to a "two-state solution" but stressed the need for careful timing. "Where we differ is on the issue of whether recognition right now, in these circumstances, will make a tangible, positive contribution to the realisation of a two-state solution," the statement said.
