UNCLASSIFIED
New Zealand Ministry of
Foreign Affairs and Trade
Manatū Aorere
195 Lambton Quay
2 December 2024
Private Bag 18−901
Wellington 6160
New Zealand
T +64 4 439 8000
F +64 4 472 9596
John Wilson
OIA 29777
[FYI request #28913 email]
Tēnā koe John Wilson
Thank you for your email of 25 October 2024 in which you request the following under
the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA):
“1. Any documents, records, or briefings by MFAT that consider or propose a
Sanctions Act targeting Israel, similar to the Russia Sanctions Act.
2. Any analyses, memos, or briefings outlining what steps, requirements, or legal
provisions would be necessary for New Zealand to enact sanctions explicitly
targeting Israel, independently of a UN Security Council resolution.
3. Any comparative assessments or references to the Russia Sanctions Act that
explore the viability of a similar framework for Israel.
4. Any communications or correspondences between MFAT and other government
departments or international partners discussing the feasibility or advisability of
sanctions on Israel.
5. Any records or minutes from meetings where the topic of targeted sanctions on
Israel, or the broader legal and procedural requirements for such sanctions, was
discussed.”
As you note, New Zealand can impose sanctions in two ways: through the domestic
implementation of sanctions as mandated by resolution of the United Nations Security
Council; or targeted sanctions under the Russia Sanctions Act in response to military
actions by Russia (and by countries or persons who may be assisting Russia) in Ukraine
or another country. New Zealand does not have legislation enabling the imposition of
other autonomous sanctions.
New Zealand has established a travel ban regime against a number of extremist Israeli
settlers who undermined stability in the West Bank through illegally settling in the area,
perpetrating violence, and displacing Palestinian civilians from their homes. The
imposition of further travel bans is likely. More information about the travel bans is
available on the Beehive website:
www.beehive.govt.nz/release/travel-bans-extremist-
israeli-settlers
UNCLASSIFIED
Page 2 of 2
Further information on New Zealand’s response to the Israel-Hamas conflict can be
found on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s (the Ministry) website:
www.mfat.govt.nz/en/countries-and-regions/middle-east/israel-hamas-conflict
Four documents are in scope of your request. One title and the content of all four
documents is withheld in full under section s6(a) of the OIA; to not prejudice the
security or the international relations of the New Zealand Government.
Documents in scope of OIA 29777
Date
Title
1 February 2024
Israel/occupied Palestinian territories: Travel bans in response to
acts to undermine stability and security in the West Bank
12 February 2024 Israel/occupied Palestinian Territories: Travel ban extension
28 May 2024
Israel/occupied Palestinian territories: third travel ban extension
25 October 2024
[withheld under section 6(a)]
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
