New Zealand has officially confirmed it will not be joining former US President Donald Trump's proposed Board of Peace initiative for Gaza, with government ministers expressing reservations about the body's current structure and scope.
Diplomatic Decision Based on Value Assessment
The country's Foreign Minister explained that while New Zealand recognises and respects American leadership in advancing peace efforts in Gaza alongside regional nations, careful consideration has led to this diplomatic decision. "We see a legitimate role for the Board of Peace in Gaza, particularly when carried out according to the mandate established by UN Security Council Resolution 2803," the minister stated during the announcement.
Concerns About Structure and UN Alignment
However, the minister elaborated on several specific concerns that influenced New Zealand's position. "Several regional states have already stepped forward to contribute substantially to the board's work," he noted. "After thorough evaluation, we believe New Zealand's participation would not add significant further value at this particular stage of development."
The minister emphasised New Zealand's longstanding commitment to international institutions, adding: "As a founding member and consistent supporter of the United Nations throughout its history, it remains crucial that any new peace initiative complements and aligns with the principles established in the UN Charter."
Future Monitoring and Engagement
Peters clarified that while New Zealand will not participate in the Board of Peace in its current configuration, the country remains committed to monitoring developments closely. "This represents a newly established body, and we require greater clarity regarding its operational scope, both immediately and looking toward future developments," he explained.
The decision reflects New Zealand's careful approach to international peace initiatives, balancing support for conflict resolution with practical considerations about effective contribution and institutional alignment. The government indicated it would maintain diplomatic channels open regarding Gaza peace efforts while focusing its resources on areas where it can deliver maximum impact according to its foreign policy priorities.
