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Audrey Young: Peters complains to PM about Seymour as Palestine tensions rise

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  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, September 17th 2025 at 21:45 GMT by The New Zealand Herald
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Winston Peters raises the alarm on New Zealand’s Israel‑Palestine stance, pointing the finger at David Seymour

In a development that could stir the already‑tense New Zealand political landscape, Winston Peters – the outspoken leader of New Zealand First – has publicly complained to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern that the country’s foreign‑policy response to the escalating conflict in Gaza is being hampered by David Seymour, the ACT Party MP who is widely seen as a close ally of the coalition government. Peters’ comments come at a time when New Zealand is under increasing scrutiny from both domestic and international observers for its stance on the Israel‑Palestine crisis, which has seen renewed violence and a surge in humanitarian concerns.

A call for a more balanced approach

Peters first voiced his concerns in a televised interview, saying that New Zealand “cannot afford to be a silent observer when the lives of civilians in Gaza are at stake.” He added that the coalition’s perceived partiality towards Israel “raises serious questions about our commitment to human rights and the rule of law.” The New Zealand First banner, which has historically championed a hard‑line stance on immigration and a “New Zealand‑first” approach to national policy, is now pivoting to an issue that cuts across traditional party lines.

“David Seymour has repeatedly advocated for a unilateral approach that benefits Israel at the expense of Palestinian civilians,” Peters told reporters. “This is not just a matter of policy; it is a moral failing that we cannot ignore.” He specifically cited a letter that Seymour had sent to the PM earlier in the week, urging New Zealand to stand firmly behind Israel’s right to self‑defence. Peters described Seymour’s letter as “one‑sided and lacking nuance.”

David Seymour’s position

David Seymour, who served as Minister of Justice under the previous Labour administration and is now a vocal critic of what he sees as a “double standard” in New Zealand’s foreign policy, has not shied away from defending Israel. In the letter to Ardern, Seymour framed the situation as a “complex security issue” and argued that New Zealand should maintain a “firm partnership” with Israel to support peace and stability in the Middle East. He did, however, acknowledge that the humanitarian toll in Gaza is a cause for concern.

In the days that followed, Seymour released a statement that attempted to clarify his stance, emphasizing that he “supports a two‑state solution” and “believes in protecting the rights of all people in the region.” Yet, Peters remained unconvinced. “If we are to lead by example, our actions must match our words,” he said. “We cannot allow David Seymour’s unilateral position to dictate New Zealand’s foreign‑policy.”

Political implications

Peters’ criticism is not merely a personal affront; it carries real implications for the fragile coalition that keeps the Labour government in power. The New Zealand First party, which has a history of wielding significant influence on policy matters, often acts as a “kingmaker” in the current parliamentary arrangement. By publicly challenging a key figure in the coalition, Peters could be signalling a shift in his party’s willingness to engage in cross‑party negotiations, especially on contentious international issues.

The Prime Minister’s reaction, while not yet released in full, has already been met with speculation. Some commentators suggest that Ardern may feel the pressure to clarify her stance on the conflict, perhaps by reaffirming New Zealand’s commitment to humanitarian aid and a balanced diplomatic approach. Others warn that Peters’ comments could embolden opposition parties, potentially leading to a parliamentary debate that may strain the coalition’s unity.

Broader context

The Gaza conflict has not only affected the region but has also reverberated across the globe, influencing the political discourse in many Western nations. New Zealand’s position has been closely watched by both its allies and the United Nations. The country has already pledged humanitarian assistance to Gaza, yet it has also faced criticism from international human‑rights groups for what they perceive as a lack of decisive condemnation of Israeli military actions.

In a broader sense, Peters’ criticism reflects a growing sentiment among New Zealand voters that the government’s foreign‑policy decisions may not fully align with the values of justice and human rights. A recent poll indicated that a significant portion of the electorate favours a more proactive stance in addressing humanitarian crises abroad.

Looking ahead

As the situation in Gaza continues to evolve, the political spotlight remains on New Zealand. Winston Peters’ vocal challenge to David Seymour and, by extension, to Prime Minister Ardern’s foreign‑policy team, is likely to influence the trajectory of the country’s diplomatic engagement. Whether this will lead to a recalibration of New Zealand’s approach to the Israel‑Palestine conflict remains to be seen. For now, the nation watches as the political chessboard shifts, with each move potentially affecting the lives of thousands of civilians in a region that remains in the throes of conflict.