The Foreign Affairs Minister believes “providing a running commentary” on the unfolding Middle East situation is “unhelpful and counterproductive” while the Government considers recognising Palestinian statehood. “Mr Peters, who is responsible for taking a policy paper to Cabinet on this matter, prefers to be circumspect and careful at this time,” a statement from Winston Peters’ office said. The statement came amid some criticism – including from former Prime Minister Helen Clark – about New Zealand’s absence from an international statement on Israel’s West Bank settlement plans. (NZ has joined other statements on the conflict). But Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has been vocal with his thoughts. Last week, he expressed concern about Israel’s military offensive in Gaza and its approval of the settlements in the occupied West Bank. On Sunday, he called for “unfettered access” to Gaza for humanitarian agencies. There has been distance previously between Peters and Luxon concerning Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu. Luxon this month said Netanyahu had “lost the plot”, which Peters said was “not language I use”. The Government is considering the question of recognising Palestine as a state, with a decision to be made before the UN General Assembly meeting in September. Peters has said it is a matter of when, not if, NZ recognises Palestine. Ministers have been cautious in giving details about what conditions are necessary before recognising Palestine as a state and have noted the decision is complex and requires discussion within Cabinet. Luxon has said the Government won’t recognise “a state that has Hamas in it”, while Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour has said a starting point could be to consider the views of others in the Middle East, including that Hamas would need to release hostages and demilitarise. While Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters believes a running commentary is `unhelpful`, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has been open with his views. Photo / Mark Mitchell In a statement to media, a spokesperson for Peters reiterated the minister, his team and officials were “carefully gathering information about the situation on the ground, how other countries are approaching the matter and the diverse views within NZ society and the Coalition”. “Mr Peters holds the view that providing a running commentary on the situation on the ground in the Middle East while the Government is considering this matter is unhelpful and counterproductive,” Peters’ office said. “Indeed, parts of the NZ media have been quick to interpret comments by other members of the Government as indicating a preference for one position or other on recognition.” The office said it was Peters who is responsible for taking a paper to Cabinet on this matter and he prefers to be “circumspect and careful at this time”. He also wishes to “respect the process he has set up to listen carefully to the views of New Zealanders, his coalition partners and different members of the international community”. Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters wishes to be `circumspect and careful at this time`. Photo / Mark Mitchell Last Friday, a number of Foreign Ministers from countries like Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement criticising Israel’s approval of settlement construction in the E1 area east of Jerusalem. New Zealand didn’t join up to that statement, which Clark said was “humiliating”. However, Clark did share another statement that same day stating NZ was a party to urging Israel to allow journalists access to Gaza and protection there. Luxon was critical last Friday of Israel’s latest offensive in Gaza and the approval of settlements. “We’re now seeing settlements taking place in the West Bank, and settlement activity there is illegal under international law, and NZ has opposed it for a long period of time,” the Prime Minister said. “You’re seeing now very public statements coming out from Israeli ministers, saying they... Read...

Visitor-reliant industries are lauding the Government’s decision to establish an investment fund for drawing major events to New Zealand. Duco Events founder David Higgins called the move “music to our ears”. Yesterday Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said he’d approached Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston and requested a “total rethink” on how Aotearoa approaches major events. “I think that is something that is genuinely stimulating economic activity. You need to because it’s a pipeline of activity,” Luxon told Newstalk ZB’s Mike Hosking. “You’ve actually got to stuff it with things that may not pay off just this month, but actually will pay off in a year or two ahead as well. “And you’ve got to signal that. So I’ve asked for a total rethink on major events.” He told Herald NOW’s Ryan Bridge that Auckland has some “massive conferencing” coming up, and SkyCity’s International Convention Centre (NZICC) coming on stream should further bolster the pipeline. Thousands of people are already booked to attend events at the NZICC. Photo / Michael Craig The new fund, however, would specifically target major events such as SailGP and Eden Park concerts to help drive New Zealand’s economic recovery. Tataki Auckland Unlimited chief executive Nick Hill said that pre-Covid Auckland was recognised internationally as an events city, which had encouraged steady investment in hotels. “We hit a wall at the beginning of 2020 ... Our reputation’s been affected because we haven’t been in the market.” Luxon said he would look at following a similar model to that of the former Premier of Victoria, Jeff Kennett, who hosted a major event every quarter to help grow the economy. Higgins said Melbourne takes event attraction ”very seriously” by investing tens of millions in advance and anticipation of events. “I don’t want to sugarcoat it. It takes money, real cash, and substantial investment to achieve what some role model Australian cities like Melbourne have in this space. Duco Events founder David Higgins has welcomed the Government`s plan to commit millions to an events fund. Photo / Photosport “If they’re talking about it now, that’s great. Then it’s a matter of those who set the budgets budgeting cash to invest, and then having good panels of decision-making on what events they try to secure for New Zealand.” Tourism, hospitality and accommodation leaders have long advocated for a coherent national strategy to attract major events, and Hospitality NZ chief executive Steve Armitage said the new fund will provide much-needed reassurance for local businesses. “Many of our members report their best trading days when major events are in town, with bars, cafes and restaurants filled with patrons, and high accommodation bookings for visitors.” Restaurant Association NZ’s chief executive Marisa Bidois agreed. “Hospitality businesses feel the immediate flow-on benefits when New Zealand attracts major events. “Visitors don’t just attend a concert or a sporting match – they dine out, stay in local accommodation, and spend in communities right across the country.” Prime Minister Chris Luxon spoke of establishing a major events fund while in studio with Newstalk ZB`s Mike Hosking yesterday. Photo / Michael Craig The Prime Minister’s comments, while welcomed, reflect “what our industry has been saying for a long time”, Bidois said. Adrian Williams, Accor’s chief operating officer in the Pacific region, said they have seen the impact major events have on stimulating local economies and showcasing New Zealand to the world. “Accor’s 15 hotels across Auckland experienced a surge in bookings for the Coldplay concerts in November 2024. “That surge of activity and vibrant energy flowed through the city, filling hotels, restaurants and bars, and creating a huge positive buzz.” Armitage thought the Government’s call not to progress with a bid to host the 38th America’s Cup in 2027 was a “missed opportunity”. He said having a national strategy with con... Read...

Thousands of demonstrators massed in Tel Aviv today, seeking to push the Government to end the war in Gaza and strike a deal to return hostages, as Israel’s security Cabinet convened. The first protests began at daybreak local time as demonstrators blocked roads in the commercial hub, where they waved Israeli flags and held up pictures of the hostages, AFP journalists reported. Israeli media said others rallied near the United States embassy branch in the city, as well as outside the houses of various ministers. Hours later as the sun set over Tel Aviv, thousands more gathered in “Hostage Square”, which has served as a focal point for the protest movement for months. People in the crowd sounded air horns, blew whistles and banged on drums as they chanted: “The Government is failing us, we won’t give up until every hostage is home.” Demonstrators call for a deal to return hostages from Gaza. Photo / Getty Images “I’m here first and foremost to protest, and to call for the government to make a deal and bring all the hostages home and to end the war,” said demonstrator Yoav Vider, 29. Following the Cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later spoke at an event, remaining vague about the Government’s intentions as Israeli media reported the meeting had been inconclusive. “We have just come from a Cabinet meeting. I don’t think I can elaborate too much,” said Netanyahu. “But I will say one thing: It started in Gaza, and it will end in Gaza. We will not leave those monsters there.” Israel is under mounting international pressure to wrap up its Gaza campaign, with Donald Trump’s envoy saying the US President would host a meeting on post-war plans for the shattered enclave tomorrow. “We’ve got a large meeting in the White House tomorrow, chaired by the President, and it’s a very comprehensive plan we’re putting together on the next day,” Steve Witkoff said on Fox News, without offering more details. The security Cabinet approved a plan in early August for the military to take over Gaza City, triggering fresh fears for the safety of the hostages and a new wave of protests that has seen tens of thousands take to the streets. Netanyahu last week ordered immediate talks aimed at securing the release of all remaining captives in Gaza, while also doubling down on the plans for a new offensive to seize Gaza’s largest city. That came days after Hamas said it had accepted a new ceasefire proposal put forward by mediators that would see the staggered release of hostages over an initial 60-day period in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. In Doha today, Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari told a regular news conference that mediators were still “waiting for an answer” from Israel to the latest proposal. “The responsibility now lies on the Israeli side to respond to an offer that is on the table. Anything else is political posturing by the Israeli side.” Earlier in the day, the families of hostages in Tel Aviv lambasted the Government for failing to prioritise a deal that could see those still held captive in Gaza released. “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prioritises the destruction of Hamas over releasing the hostages,” said Ruby Chen, whose son was abducted by militants in October 2023. “He believes it is okay and it is a valid alternative to sacrifice 50 hostages for political needs,” he said in a speech to one of today’s demonstrations. Pressure is building on Israel both at home and abroad to end its campaign in Gaza, where famine has been declared and much of the territory has been devastated. Israeli strikes hit a Gaza hospital yesterday, killing at least 20 people, including five journalists working for Al Jazeera, the Associated Press, and Reuters, among other outlets. Governments around the world, including staunch Israeli allies, expressed shock at the attack. The Israeli military today said its forces were targeting a camera operated by Hamas in two strikes that killed the reporters.... Read...

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