32990 (2025). Debbie Ngarewa-Packer to the Minister of Foreign Affairs

32990 (2025). Debbie Ngarewa-Packer to the Minister of Foreign Affairs: What actions, if any, is the Minister taking to ensure that New Zealand's foreign policy aligns with international law particularly concerning the protection of civilians in conflict zones as outlined in the Geneva Conventions?

Rt Hon Winston Peters: New Zealand takes our international legal obligations very seriously. The Government's foreign policy reset targets our multilateral engagement to defend and preserve the core principles of international law that underpin our security and prosperity. This was set out in the speech of 17 June 2025 on "New Zealand's Foreign Policy Reset: Progress & Reflections". New Zealand regularly urges parties to conflicts to act consistently with International Humanitarian Law, including calling for protection of civilians and for unimpeded humanitarian access. New Zealand supports principled humanitarian actors that provide assistance, including protection, to civilians affected by conflict. New Zealand is also a longstanding supporter of the International Committee of the Red Cross which has a mandated role under the Geneva Conventions.