33604 (2026). Vanushi Walters to the Minister of Foreign Affairs

33604 (2026). Vanushi Walters to the Minister of Foreign Affairs: Why did New Zealand abstain, rather than vote in favour or against, on the United Nations General Assembly vote on 24 July 2026 to reappoint Volker Türk as United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights?

Rt Hon Winston Peters: A decision was taken by officials to abstain because, once debate of the relevant resolution was underway at the UN General Assembly in New York, additional information emerged which had not been apparent at the time that voting instructions on the resolution were issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. There was insufficient time for further consultation with Wellington, so an absentation was made.