New Zealand Ministry of
Foreign Affairs and Trade
Manatū Aorere
19 January 2024
195 Lambton Quay
Private Bag 18−901
Wellington 6160
New Zealand
Lance D. Lavery
T +64 4 439 8000
[email address]
F +64 4 472 9596
OIA 28963
Tēnā koe Lance Lavery
I refer to your emails of 7 December 2023 – 15 December 2023 in which you request the
following under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA):
‘Part One: Humanitarian Impact and Response in Gaza
This request seeks detailed information on New Zealand's humanitarian aid in Gaza,
specifically focusing on financial, medical, and infrastructural support, and evaluates its
impact and effectiveness, both qualitatively and quantitatively.
1. Assessment of Humanitarian Impact:
• Detailed qualitative and quantitative data on the current humanitarian situation in
Gaza, including access to essential services (food, water, shelter, healthcare) since
7 October 2023.
• Comprehensive casualty figures (deaths, injuries, missing persons) since 7
October 2023, disaggregated by age, gender, and location.
• Reports assessing effects on the civilian population, including displacement, living
conditions, and impacts on vulnerable groups.
• Analysis of psychological impact and mental health support services availability.
2. Financial Assistance:
• A detailed breakdown of financial assistance from New Zealand to Gaza since 7
October 2023.
• Comparative data on financial assistance provided to Ukraine in the same period.
• Information on the decision-making process for financial aid allocation, including
criteria and mechanisms used.
3. Medical Aid and Healthcare Support:
• Information on medical aid dispatched to Gaza, including types, quantities of
supplies, and support for healthcare facilities.
• Assessment of the impact of this aid on Gaza's healthcare situation.
• Details of New Zealand's partnerships or collaborations with international health
organizations in providing this aid.
4. Infrastructural Assistance:
• Details on infrastructural support provided by New Zealand, including construction
and repair of facilities.
• Comparative infrastructural assistance provided to Ukraine.
• Insights into planning and execution phases of infrastructural projects.
5. Overall Impact and Effectiveness:
• Evaluation reports or analyses on the effectiveness of New Zealand’s
e [MFAT request email]
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humanitarian aid.
• Comparisons of humanitarian response effectiveness in Gaza and Ukraine.
Part Two: Specialised Healthcare System Support and Strategic Collaborations in Gaza
This request aims to explore New Zealand’s contributions to healthcare infrastructure,
medical aid, and strategic collaborations in Gaza, emphasising strategic and long-term
initiatives.
1. Specialised Healthcare Infrastructure Initiatives:
• Detailed descriptions and quantitative data on specific healthcare infrastructure
projects initiated, sponsored, or supported by New Zealand in Gaza since 7 October
2023.
• Qualitative insights into the long-term objectives and impact assessments of
these projects on Gaza's healthcare system.
2. Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships:
• Information on New Zealand's strategic partnerships or collaborations with
international health organisations or local bodies in Gaza, focusing on healthcare
infrastructure strengthening and capacity building.
• Aggregated data on the overall scope and scale of these collaborations, detailing
joint initiatives, knowledge transfer programmes, or capacity-building efforts.
3. Innovative Medical Support Programmes:
• Detailed information on innovative medical support programmes or initiatives
involving New Zealand in Gaza since 7 October 2023.
• Quantitative and qualitative data on these programmes, including beneficiary
numbers, aid types and quantities, programme effectiveness, challenges faced, and
outcomes.
4. Geospatial Data and Comparative Analysis of Medical Aid:
• Geographical information on the distribution of medical aid and healthcare
support within Gaza.
• Comparative analysis with the geographical distribution and impact of medical aid
in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, to understand how different conflict zones
respond to similar aid strategies.
5. Predictive, Ethnographic, and Comparative Data on Medical Support Programmes:
• Predictive analysis using historical data to forecast future healthcare needs in
Gaza and the potential impact of current interventions.
• Ethnographic insights into the cultural, social, and political context of healthcare
delivery in Gaza, compared with observations from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine,
providing a broader view of healthcare needs and responses.
Part Three: Educational and Cultural Impact in Gaza
This segment of our series aims to understand and assess the following:
1. Impact on Educational Institutions:
• Detailed descriptions and data quantifying the extent of damage or disruption to
educational institutions in Gaza since 7 October 2023.
• Comprehensive statistics detailing the numbers of affected students, educators,
and educational staff, presented as both absolute numbers and percentages.
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• Evaluations of the immediate and long-term impacts on educational continuity,
including adaptive strategies and interventions.
2. New Zealand's Role in Educational Support:
• Information on specific New Zealand initiatives or programs supporting education
in Gaza, including scope, duration, and targeted beneficiaries.
• Descriptions of partnerships with international and local educational bodies,
highlighting collaborative roles and contributions.
• Effectiveness assessments of these initiatives, based on measurable outcomes or
stakeholder feedback.
3. Impact on Cultural Heritage:
• Reports on the status of cultural heritage sites in Gaza, detailing any damage or
threats since 7 October 2023.
• Analysis of the crisis’s impact on cultural practices and community heritage.
4. New Zealand's Contribution to Cultural Preservation:
• Details of New Zealand's efforts in cultural heritage preservation in Gaza,
including specific projects and collaborative efforts.
• Evaluations of the effectiveness of these efforts, supported by qualitative or
quantitative data.
5. Predictive and Ethnographic Analysis:
• Predictive analysis using historical data to forecast future challenges in education
and culture in Gaza, specifying data types and methodologies.
• Ethnographic insights into the social and cultural dynamics during the crisis,
outlining methodological approaches like field studies or literature reviews.
6. Comparative Analysis:
• Comparative analysis of similar crises' effects on education and culture in various
regions, including relevant comparisons to recent Eastern European conflicts.
Part 4: Detailed Inquiry into Financial Contributions to Gaza
1. Humanitarian Aid:
• A comprehensive account and detailed breakdown of funds allocated by New
Zealand for humanitarian aid in Gaza since 7 October 2023, including specific
programs or initiatives supported.
• Information on the process and criteria for fund disbursement, monitoring
mechanisms, and timelines.
• Evaluation of partnerships with international or local NGOs and their effectiveness
in aid distribution.
2. Medical Aid:
• Exhaustive details on financial support for medical and healthcare services in
Gaza, including funding for infrastructure development, equipment supply, and
personnel training.
• Information on direct involvement in healthcare projects, including partnerships
with local health authorities or international organisations.
• Reports or evaluations that highlight the impact of New Zealand’s medical aid on
Gaza’s healthcare system.
3. Educational Support:
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• Complete summary of financial contributions towards educational initiatives in
Gaza, detailing the nature, scope, and implementation of supported projects.
• Insight into collaborative efforts with educational entities and the outcomes of
such collaborations.
• Impact assessments, if available, on the contributions' effect on educational
development in Gaza.
4. Infrastructure Development:
• Detailed information on New Zealand's financial contributions towards
infrastructure development in Gaza, including utilities, transportation, and building
projects.
• Criteria and processes for selecting and assessing these projects, including
environmental and social impact evaluations.
• Effectiveness reports of these infrastructure projects in improving living
conditions in Gaza.
5. Technology and Innovation Support:
• Comprehensive details on investments in technology and innovation in Gaza,
especially in information and communication technology, renewable energy, and
agricultural technology.
• Information on collaboration with local tech industries or educational institutions
to foster innovation and technological advancement.
• Impact assessments of these initiatives on Gaza’s economic development and
quality of life.
Part 5: Assessment of Immediate and Direct Diplomatic Measures by New Zealand
1. . Sanctions and Diplomatic Stance:
• What types of sanctions against Israel are currently under consideration by New
Zealand in response to the Gaza crisis?
• How does New Zealand plan to balance the potential imposition of sanctions
against Israel with the broader objectives of maintaining diplomatic relations?
• What specific criteria or benchmarks does New Zealand use to evaluate the
potential effectiveness and impact of these proposed sanctions?
• In considering sanctions, what are New Zealand's strategic considerations
regarding their potential impact on regional geopolitical dynamics in the Middle
East?
• Please provide a historical comparison of instances where New Zealand has
previously imposed sanctions in response to international conflicts or human rights
violations?
2. Diplomatic Relations and Ambassadorial Measures:
• What immediate steps, if any, has New Zealand taken or is considering reviewing
or alter its diplomatic relations with Israel considering recent events in Gaza?
• How does New Zealand assess the benefits and potential drawbacks of taking
ambassadorial measures such as the expulsion of diplomats in response to
international conflicts?
• In the current Gaza crisis, what specific diplomatic tools or strategies is New
Zealand employing or considering facilitating dialogue and conflict resolution?
• In the pursuit of ongoing diplomatic communication, what mechanisms does the
Ministry prioritise for ensuring effective and continuous dialogue in conflict
situations?
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• Please provide a historical comparison detailing how New Zealand has previously
altered ambassadorial relations or undertaken expulsions in response to
international crises or conflicts.
3. Defence Force Deployment and Military Aid Considerations:
• In response to the Gaza crisis, has New Zealand explored the possibility of
deploying the New Zealand Defence Force for peacekeeping purposes in the region?
• What are the key factors and considerations that would influence New Zealand’s
decision to deploy NZDF personnel in a peacekeeping role in Gaza?
• Given the context of the Gaza crisis, has there been any internal discussion or
review within the New Zealand government regarding the hypothetical scenario of
withholding military aid to Israel?
• How would New Zealand evaluate the potential impact and diplomatic implications
of such a decision on its international relations and commitments in the Middle
East?
• Please provide historical insights into New Zealand's approach to deploying its
Defence Force in international peacekeeping missions and its stance on providing or
withholding military aid in conflict situations?
Part Six: In-Depth Assessment of Diplomatic Engagements and International Relations
Amidst the Gaza Crisis
1. International Diplomatic Efforts:
• Detailed descriptions of New Zealand's diplomatic initiatives in response to the
Gaza crisis from 7 October 2023 to 1 February 2024.
• Information on New Zealand's role in international discussions and forums
addressing the crisis.
• Evaluations of the impact and effectiveness of these diplomatic efforts.
2. Participation in United Nations Resolutions and Discussions:
• Records of New Zealand's votes and stances on United Nations resolutions
concerning the Gaza crisis.
• Insights into the rationale behind New Zealand's voting patterns and statements.
• Assessments of the influence of New Zealand's position in these international
resolutions.
3. Strategic Diplomatic Alliances and Collaborations:
• Information on strategic alliances and collaborations formed or strengthened by
New Zealand considering the Gaza crisis.
• Analysis of how these alliances align with New Zealand's foreign policy objectives.
• Evaluations of the effectiveness and future potential of these diplomatic
collaborations.
4. Broader Diplomatic Strategies and Outcomes:
• Overviews of broader diplomatic strategies adopted by New Zealand in response
to the Gaza crisis.
• Comparative analysis with New Zealand’s diplomatic approaches in similar
historical conflicts.
• Predictive insights on the long-term implications of current diplomatic
engagements.
5. Communication and Information Sharing:
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• Details on the mechanisms employed by New Zealand for communication and
information sharing with international counterparts regarding the Gaza crisis.
• Impact assessments of these communication strategies on diplomatic relations
and crisis management.
Part Seven: Analysis of Public Sentiment, Palestinian Statehood Recognition, and
Historical Context in Foreign Policy
1. Expanded Public Sentiment Analysis:
• What are the key findings from recent public opinion polls or studies on the Gaza
crisis?
• How has public sentiment towards the crisis evolved since 7 October 2023?
• What are the implications of these sentiment trends for New Zealand's foreign
policy?
2. Deeper Impact of Public Sentiment on Foreign Policy:
• Can you provide examples where public opinion significantly influenced New
Zealand’s diplomatic stance in the Gaza crisis?
• What mechanisms does New Zealand employ to integrate public opinion into
foreign policy decisions?
• How is public sentiment monitored and assessed for its impact on policy
formulation?
3. Comprehensive Stance on Palestinian Statehood:
• What is New Zealand’s current official position on Palestinian statehood?
• How has this position evolved since 7 October 2023?
• What historical policy perspectives have shaped New Zealand’s stance on
Palestinian statehood?
4. Extended Analysis of Statehood Recognition's Impact on Diplomacy:
• How has Palestinian statehood recognition influenced New Zealand’s diplomatic
actions during the Gaza crisis?
• What are the primary considerations guiding New Zealand’s position on
Palestinian statehood?
• How does New Zealand’s stance on statehood recognition compare to its
traditional diplomatic allies?
5. Broader International Comparative Analysis:
• How do other democracies approach public sentiment and statehood recognition
in similar crises?
• What role has New Zealand played in international discussions on Palestinian
statehood?
• How does New Zealand's position on Palestinian statehood recognition compare
with that of other democratic nations?
6. Historical References and Recognition:
• How has New Zealand recognised historical references to Palestine as mentioned
by historians like Herodotus, Flavius Josephus, and as depicted in the Madaba Map?
• In what ways have historical references to Palestine influenced New Zealand's
foreign policy, particularly regarding the recognition of Palestinian statehood?
• Can you detail how historical accounts and references shape New Zealand’s
stance on Palestinian statehood and its broader foreign policy?
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Part Eight: New Zealand's Commitment to International Law and Justice
1. New Zealand's Legal Stance and Support for International Judicial Processes:
• What is New Zealand's official position regarding the initiation of legal
proceedings in the context of the Gaza crisis?
• How has New Zealand engaged with or supported the International Criminal Court
(ICC) in relation to the Gaza crisis?
• Are there specific initiatives or actions taken by New Zealand to promote legal
accountability in the Gaza situation?
2. Involvement in International Legal Forums:
• Can you provide detailed information on New Zealand's participation in
international legal forums addressing the Gaza crisis?
• How does New Zealand's engagement in these forums align with its commitment
to upholding international law and human rights?
• What role has New Zealand played in shaping the international legal discourse
regarding the Gaza crisis?
3. Accountability for Alleged War Crimes:
• What measures has New Zealand taken or proposed to ensure accountability for
alleged war crimes committed during the Gaza crisis?
• How does New Zealand's approach to these allegations reflect its broader
commitment to international justice?
• What collaborations or dialogues has New Zealand engaged in at the international
level regarding the investigation and prosecution of war crimes in the Gaza
context?
4. Collaboration with International Bodies on Legal Matters:
• Details on New Zealand's collaborations and interactions with international bodies
focused on legal aspects of the Gaza crisis.
• Assessments of the effectiveness of these collaborations in promoting legal justice
and accountability.
• How does New Zealand evaluate and integrate the legal perspectives of these
international bodies into its own foreign policy?
5. Comparative Analysis with Other International Conflicts:
• A comparative analysis of New Zealand's approach to legal proceedings and
support for international justice in the Gaza crisis compared to other recent
international conflicts.
• Insights into how these comparative stances inform New Zealand's overall foreign
policy and commitment to international law.
• Examination of any shifts or evolutions in New Zealand's legal approach in
international crises, with a focus on the consistency of its principles and actions.
Part Nine: Environmental Impact, Sustainable Development, and Peace Initiatives in Gaza
1. Environmental Impact Assessment and Mitigation:
• Detailed information on the most significant environmental damages in Gaza
since October 7, 2023, emphasizing ecological and public health impacts.
• Overview of New Zealand's contributions to environmental impact assessments in
Gaza, including any collaborative research or data collection initiatives.
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• Description of specific measures and projects undertaken or supported by New
Zealand to mitigate environmental damage in Gaza.
2. New Zealand’s Role in Environmental Rehabilitation:
• Comprehensive details of environmental rehabilitation projects in Gaza that New
Zealand has been involved in or supported since October 2023.
• Analysis of the effectiveness of these rehabilitation efforts, assessing their impact
on local ecosystems and communities.
• Information on New Zealand's collaboration with international and local partners
for environmental rehabilitation in Gaza.
3. Support for Sustainable Development Initiatives:
• Description of sustainable development projects in Gaza supported or initiated by
New Zealand, focusing on their aims, implementation strategies, and beneficiaries.
• Evaluation of the long-term environmental and socio-economic benefits of these
sustainable development initiatives.
• Please provide information on New Zealand's upcoming initiatives to promote
sustainable development in Gaza, especially those involving innovative approaches
or technologies.
4. Innovative Solutions for Peace and Restoration:
• Overview of New Zealand's initiatives or contributions towards finding innovative
solutions for peace in the Gaza context.
• Details on specific projects or programs aimed at fostering peace and stability,
including efforts to address underlying socio-political issues.
• Information on New Zealand's role in supporting restoration initiatives in favour of
the Palestinian people, considering historical and current challenges.
5. Restoration Initiatives for the Palestinian People:
• Description of New Zealand’s efforts in launching or supporting restoration
initiatives specifically aimed at improving the livelihoods and rights of the
Palestinian people.
• Analysis of the historical context of these initiatives, considering the long-term
impact of the Nakba and subsequent developments.
• Assessment of the potential long-term benefits of these initiatives for peace,
stability, and social equity in the region.’
We have combined our response to your requests for administrative ease.
On 15 December 2023, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (the Ministry) advised you that
the information you have requested is too broad, and that your requests, as they currently
stand, would likely be refused under section 18(f) of the OIA, as the information requested
cannot be made available without substantial collation or research. To avoid a refusal, we asked
if you would consider narrowing the scope of your request.
On 5 January 2024, we followed up with you on our request that you consider narrowing the
scope of your request. To date the Ministry has not received a reply from you, therefore your
request is refused under section 18(f) of the OIA.
Should you wish to make a new request with a refined scope, please contact:
[MFAT request email]
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For your information, New Zealand has announced two tranches of support to the humanitarian
response, totalling NZ$10 million, to address urgent humanitarian needs in Gaza, the West Bank
and Israel. This includes contributions of NZ$5 million to the International Committee of the
Red Cross (ICRC) and NZ$5 million to the World Food Programme (WFP).
Information relevant to the humanitarian response is publicly available on the Ministry’s website
at the following address:
www.mfat.govt.nz/en/media-and-resources/oia-28902-advice-to-elected-officials-on-
humanitarian-support-to-the-israel-gaza-conflict/.
The two documents most relevant to your request, and available at the above link, are:
•
Submission: Israel and Gaza Conflict: Humanitarian Support – 15 October 2023
•
Submission: Israel and Gaza Conflict: Further Humanitarian Support – 6 November 2023
The full Ministerial announcements on New Zealand’s humanitarian response to the crisis are
available at the links below:
•
Further humanitarian support for Gaza, the West Bank and Israel (18 November 2023):
www.beehive.govt.nz/release/further-humanitarian-support-gaza-west-bank-and-israel
•
New Zealand provides humanitarian support to Israel and Gaza (17 October 2023):
www.beehive.govt.nz/release/new-zealand-provides-humanitarian-support-israel-and-gaza
You can read more about New Zealand’s response, including recent statements, on the Ministry’s
website
: www.mfat.govt.nz/en/countries-and-regions/middle-east/israel-hamas-conflict/
You can also read more about the work of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
and United Nations world Food Programme (WFP) in response to the conflict (a response which
New Zealand has contributed funding to) on their websites:
•
ICRC:
www.icrc.org/en/Where-We-Work/Middle-East/Israel-and-Occupied-Territories
•
WFP:
www.wfp.org/Emergencies/Palestine-Emergency
Please note that it is our policy to proactively release our responses to official information
requests where possible. Therefore, our response to your request (with your personal information
removed) may be published on the Ministry website:
www.mfat.govt.nz/en/about-us/contact-
us/official-information-act-responses/
If you have any questions about this decision, you can contact us by email at:
[email address]. You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the
Ombudsman of this decision by contacting
www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or freephone
0800 802 602.
Nāku noa, nā
Sarah Corbett
for Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade
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