29608 (2026). Vanushi Walters to the Minister of Foreign Affairs

29608 (2026). Vanushi Walters to the Minister of Foreign Affairs: On what date, if at all, did the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade first make direct contact with each of the New Zealand citizens who participated in the Global Sumud Flotilla and were detained in May 2026, following that citizen's return to New Zealand, and by what means was that contact made?

Rt Hon Winston Peters: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade contacted the families of the three New Zealanders detained in May 2026 as official confirmation was received of their interception. This occurred on 19 May 2026. Consular officals remained in contact with family representatives on 20 and 21 May to provide updates on the situation and confirm their arrival in a third country. On 16 June 2026, consular officials from the Ministry emialed the family contacts of these New Zealanders seeking information on their experience in custody anf their consent to raise any allegations with Israeli authorities. To date, none of the individuals have provided their consent for officials to make further representations. The Ministry previously contacted the families of two of these participants on 5 May seeking the same information in relation to previous flotilla activity.