19821 (2024). Teanau Tuiono to the Minister of Foreign Affairs

19821 (2024). Teanau Tuiono to the Minister of Foreign Affairs: Has MFAT checked what NZ-made components are exported to foreign countries (in particular any foreign militaries) that may incorporate it into military equipment that is later used by the Israeli Defence Force; and if so, what types of components, how many units, when was it exported, and which countries were these components exported to?

Rt Hon Winston Peters: I am advised that military and dual use goods as listed on the New Zealand Strategic Goods List require a permit from MFAT prior to export. This applies to all foreign countries, and there are no exemptions. The end use of the goods and the ultimate end user must be stated on the permit application to MFAT. An MFAT permit is also required if an export of any goods is to a foreign military or other security force, with only certain exceptions such as medical products. There is a small list of countries exempt from this “catch all” requirement if the export is for final use by that country. This exemption list includes the United States, Australia, and EU countries, but Israel is not exempted. In addition, if the exporter is “reasonably aware” that the goods exported to an exempted country are intended for re-export to a non-exempt country these exports would also require a permit from MFAT. MFAT’s electronic export permit records go back to 2003. Since this date, MFAT has not granted permission to export, or re-export, items to the Israeli Defence Force.