141 (2024). Hon Marama Davidson to the Minister of Foreign Affairs

141 (2024). Hon Marama Davidson to the Minister of Foreign Affairs: Did she consider offering support for other international efforts to protect shipping in the Red Sea, including diplomatic efforts, as an alternative to New Zealand’s involvement in the military coalition led by the US and the UK?

Rt Hon Winston Peters: Yes. New Zealand has contributed to maritime security efforts in the Middle East and elsewhere continuously since 2013 to protect not only our vital national interests but also the rules-based international order. New Zealand maintains a longstanding contribution to the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), a multi-national maritime partnership based in Bahrain. NZDF has contributed to the CMF since 2013 and currently has 12 personnel deployed in a range of roles. New Zealand has also undertaken international diplomatic advocacy urging all parties in the region to refrain from actions that would inflame regional tensions. This has included joining international statements, and bilateral outreach. More specifically, New Zealand has joined direct international statements urging the Houthi to end their attacks on shipping in the Red Sea on multiple occasions, including: - 19 December 2023: New Zealand joined an international statement condemning the attacks along with 44 partner nations; and, - 3 January 2024: New Zealand joined an international statement condemning the attacks along with 14 nations.