18123 (2026). Vanushi Walters to the Minister of Foreign Affairs

Written Question

Published date: 18 May 2026

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	18123 (2026)
Question asked:	03 May 2026
Member asking:	Vanushi Walters
Portfolio:	Minister of Foreign Affairs
Minister replying:	Rt Hon Winston Peters
Answer received:	12 May 2026
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_18123_2026
Document guid:	b08b6e52-f3a3-46bc-836b-1c7d345426eb

18123 (2026). Vanushi Walters to the Minister of Foreign Affairs: Has the Minister personally raised the treatment of New Zealand citizens in US immigration detention with his US counterpart, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, or any other senior US official, if not, why not?

Rt Hon Winston Peters: No. The New Zealand Government is unable to influence the immigration decisions of other governments. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade provides consular support for New Zealanders detained overseas includes ensuring that New Zealanders have access to legal representation, providing advice to family, and engaging with authorities (including detention facilities) where that is needed.