18963 (2026). Vanushi Walters to the Minister of Foreign Affairs

Written Question

Published date: 25 May 2026

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	18963 (2026)
Question asked:	11 May 2026
Member asking:	Vanushi Walters
Portfolio:	Minister of Foreign Affairs
Minister replying:	Rt Hon Winston Peters
Answer received:	19 May 2026
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_18963_2026
Document guid:	de159007-fcf2-4f25-be7b-8e1761106aab

18963 (2026). Vanushi Walters to the Minister of Foreign Affairs: Has the Minister or any official made direct representations to the US State Department, the Department of Homeland Security, or ICE regarding Everlee Wihongi's detention, and if so, on what dates and with what outcome?

Rt Hon Winston Peters: New Zealand officials in the US have been in contact with US authorities about this case, including the Department of State and regular contact with ICE. We cannot comment on the details of individual cases for privacy reasons.