Ninety-five New Zealand lawyers – including 9 King’s Counsel – have signed a letter to the Prime Minister and other ministers urging the Government to consider a stronger stance against Israel’s actions in Gaza.

The letter has been sent amidst rising tensions in the region, following Israel’s surprise attacks on Iran, and Iran’s attacks on Israel in response.

The letter’s signatories come from all levels of seniority in the legal community including senior barristers, law firm partners, legal academics, and in-house lawyers.

The letter cites UN sources that document the steadily deteriorating plight of civilians in Gaza, featuring escalating levels of bombardment, forced displacement, blockades of aid and deliberate targeting of hospitals, aid workers and journalists, and notes key responses to date.

In July 2024 the International Court of Justice (ICJ) declared Israel’s continued presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory to be unlawful.

In September last year New Zealand voted in favour of a UN General Assembly resolution calling upon all UN Member States to comply with their obligations under international law and take concrete steps to address Israel’s ongoing presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. At the time, New Zealand noted it expected Israel to take meaningful steps towards compliance with international law including withdrawal from the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The letter comments that Israel has done nothing of the sort.

The letter goes on to point out that in May this year Independent UN Experts demanded immediate international intervention to “end the violence or bear witness to the annihilation of the Palestinian population in Gaza.” UN experts have observed the occurrence of over 52,535 deaths, of which 70 percent continue to be women and children. The Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Tom Fletcher has called for a response “as humanitarians” urging “Humanity, the law and reason must prevail”.

The letter urges the Government to consider a stronger response including to condemn Israel’s unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, to review immediately all diplomatic and political and economic ties with Israel, and to go further in imposing sanctions after New Zealand imposed sanctions on two extremist Israeli politicians.

One of the letter’s signatories, barrister Max Harris, says: “This letter reflects rising concern among the general community about Israel’s breaches of international law.”

“The Government has tried to highlight red lines for Israel, but these have been repeatedly crossed, and it’s time that the Government considers doing more, in line with international law,” adds Harris.

Aedeen Boadita-Cormican, another barrister who has signed the letter, says: “The Government could do more to follow through on how it has voted at the United Nations and what it has said internationally.”

“This letter shows the depth of concern in the legal community about Israel’s actions,” adds Boadita-Cormican.

Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully will travel to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, next week to attend the African Union Executive Council.

“A quarter of the world’s states are members of the African Union, and Africa is of increasing interest and importance to New Zealand,” Mr McCully says.

“This visit provides an opportunity for New Zealand to engage on a range of important regional issues.”

Mr McCully will also visit the United Arab Emirates to meet his counterpart, Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah, and sign a partnership arrangement with the Abu Dhabi Environment Agency.

“New Zealand and the UAE have an increasingly close relationship. I am pleased to be signing an agreement that will see New Zealand share some of its world-leading environmental and conservation management expertise,” Mr McCully says.

United Kingdom Foreign Secretary William Hague will visit New Zealand next week, Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully announced today.

“I look forward to welcoming Mr Hague to New Zealand for the second time in two years,” Mr McCully says.

Mr McCully and Mr Hague will hold formal bilateral talks in Auckland on January 15.

“This is an excellent opportunity to address critical foreign policy issues with a close and valued partner, and explore new ways to work together on bilateral and global issues,” Mr McCully says.

“I expect the situation in Iran and Syria, the Middle East Peace Process and developments in Afghanistan will feature in our discussions, as will regional issues such as Fiji and Myanmar.”

While in Auckland, Mr Hague will meet New Zealand business leaders and entrepreneurs, young Pacific leaders, academics, and NGOs.

Mr Hague will also visit Christchurch for a tour of the Red Zone and to lay a wreath at HMNZS Pegasus naval base in honour of New Zealand service men and women.

Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully today named career diplomat Bernadette Cavanagh as New Zealand’s next High Commissioner to Singapore, with cross accreditation to the Maldives.

“Singapore is one of New Zealand’s closest partners in the region, but there is potential to do more,” Mr McCully says.

“The High Commissioner’s role is to champion the strengthening of the New Zealand/Singapore economic relationship, and increase cooperation with Singapore in ASEAN, APEC and other regional forums.

“Bernadette Cavanagh is well qualified to achieve these goals, with previous experience as head of the South East Asia Unit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.”

Ms Cavanagh is currently the Deputy Permanent Representative at New Zealand’s mission to the United Nations in New York.

Prime Minister John Key today welcomed the nomination of Dr the Rt Hon Lockwood Smith as New Zealand’s next High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.

“Lockwood Smith has had a distinguished political career and his nomination is a mark of the high esteem in which he is held.

“Since 2008 he has held the role of Speaker of the House of Representatives, and was unanimously re-elected in 2011.

“The nomination of Parliament’s Speaker to the role of High Commissioner emphasises the importance of relationship between New Zealand and the United Kingdom,” says Mr Key.

Lockwood Smith has served as a Member of Parliament since 1984, when he was elected MP for Kaipara. In 1996, he became MP for Rodney, a role he held until 2011 when he went on the National Party List.

He has held a number of positions in National-led Governments, including Minister of Education, Agriculture, Trade and Deputy Finance Minister.

“I wish Lockwood and his wife, Alexandra, all the best for this new appointment,” says Mr Key.

Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully today announced the nomination of Dr the Rt Hon Lockwood Smith as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.

Mr McCully describes New Zealand’s relationship with the UK as “one of our most important”.

“While we have strong historical connections, the relationship with the UK today remains one of our closest. It is appropriate that the appointment of our High Commissioner should reflect this.

“The nomination of Parliament’s Speaker to the UK role underlines its significance.

“Lockwood Smith is one of the longest serving members of the House. His experience in international marketing and in senior portfolios including Education and Trade make him an ideal diplomatic appointment,” Mr McCully says.

The High Commission also conducts the government’s business with Ireland and Nigeria. It is New Zealand’s official contact with the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Commonwealth Foundation, as well as a range of international organisations with headquarters in London.

Dr Smith is expected to take up the appointment in early 2013.

New Zealand and Japan have signed a new double tax agreement to replace the existing 1963 treaty, Revenue Minister Peter Dunne announced today.

The updated agreement was signed in Tokyo last night New Zealand time by Japan’s Parliamentary Senior Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kazuya Shimba, and the New Zealand Ambassador to Japan, Mark Sinclair.

“New Zealand has a long-standing relationship with Japan. In fact, this year marks the 60th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations with Japan,” Mr Dunne said.

“Japan is one of New Zealand’s largest trading partners and the existing treaty is our oldest tax information exchange agreement. Updating the agreement recognises the volume of trade between our two nations and the significance of our relationship with Japan.

“This agreement will help New Zealand-based businesses compete in Japan and help make New Zealand a more attractive place to invest in, and it will modernise our tax treaty arrangements with Japan bringing them more into line with best international practice,” he said.

A key feature of the updated agreement will be lower withholding taxes on interest, dividend and royalty payments between the two countries making it less costly for businesses to invest in each country and to bring profits home for reinvestment or distribution to shareholders.

Double tax agreements help reduce tax impediments to trade and investment between countries by preventing cross-border business income being taxed twice and therefore give greater certainty about how that income will be taxed.

“They are also a valuable tool in combating tax avoidance, which is a high priority for us,” Mr Dunne said.

The updated agreement with Japan will come into force once both countries have given legal effect to it. In New Zealand, this will occur through an Order in Council.

The text of the new double tax agreement is available at taxpolicy.govt.nz/tax-treaties

A New Zealand-China joint declaration, which will boost science and technology links and co-operation between the two countries, has been signed in Wellington today.

The joint declaration, focussing on enhancing and supporting science and technology research co-operation, was signed by Science and Innovation Minister Steven Joyce and Chinese Deputy-Minister of Science and Technology Wang Zhigang.

The signing was witnessed by visiting State Councillor Liu Yandong.

“New Zealand and China have strong links in science and technology and this declaration help to grow this relationship,” Mr Joyce says.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment of New Zealand and the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of China have also agreed to increase funding over the next 5 years (2012-2016) to enhance and support bilateral science and technology co-operation, totalling $10 million (CNY 50 million).

“China is our second largest trading partner and the bilateral trade and economic relationship we share is very important. Trade between our countries has increased by 50 per cent since the New Zealand-China Free Trade Agreement was signed in 2008 – we want this growth to continue,” says Mr Joyce.

State Councillor Liu is a senior leader in China’s 2012 – 2017 hierarchy. Her portfolios include education, science, screen and television and culture.

An agreement, which will increase education cooperation between New Zealand and China, has been signed in Wellington today.

Education Minister Hekia Parata says the agreement will enhance business opportunities for New Zealand’s university, polytechnic and skills sectors.

“China is the largest source of international students in New Zealand and likely to remain so.

“State Councillor Liu Yandong’s visit will help support New Zealand’s crucial education industry links with China. It also furthers our interest in greater collaboration in education services.

“The agreement provides a foundation for officials’ work in this important economic, social and political area of the relationship.”

State Councillor Liu is in New Zealand from 9-11 December, ahead of the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between New Zealand and China on 22 December.

Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully will tomorrow travel to the Pacific for meetings in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Kiribati and Tuvalu.

"The Marshall Islands will host the Pacific Islands Forum in 2013 and we are keen to support them given our recent experience hosting and chairing the Forum,” Mr McCully says.

“New Zealand makes a significant investment in the on-going sustainable economic development of Kiribati and Tuvalu. In both counties I will be able to see first-hand the difference our aid dollars are making.”

Mr McCully will also pay respects at the New Zealand Coastwatchers memorial in Kiribati. It is 70 years since 17 New Zealand Coastwatchers were executed there during World War Two.

State Councillor Liu Yandong will visit New Zealand next week as a guest of the New Zealand Government – the first visit by a senior Communist Party figure since China’s November leadership transition.

State Councillor Liu is a senior leader in China’s 2012-2017 hierarchy. Her portfolios include education, science, screen and television, and culture.

Science and Innovation Minister Steven Joyce says he will sign a joint declaration with State Councillor Liu on science and technology in Wellington on 10 December.

“The joint declaration will underline the strong links New Zealand and China have in science and technology and the intention to boost co-operation between our two countries in this area,” Mr Joyce says.

“New Zealand places enormous value on the bilateral trade and economic relationship with China, our second largest trading partner. Since 2008 the New Zealand-China Free Trade Agreement has seen trade between our countries increase by more than 50 per cent and we want this growth to continue.”

State Councillor Liu will also sign an agreement with Education Minister Hekia Parata to grow co-operation in education between China and New Zealand. China is the largest source of international students to New Zealand.

The visit from 9-11 December takes place ahead of the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between New Zealand and China on 22 December.

During her visit, State Councillor Liu will meet Prime Minister John Key, call on Auckland Mayor Len Brown and visit Auckland University. She will also attend a dinner hosted by the New Zealand China Council.

In Wellington, State Councillor Liu will meet with New Zealand recipients of the Chinese Government Friendship Award, and with representatives of the New Zealand-based Chinese community, as well as attending an official dinner at Premier House.

Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully will travel to Papua New Guinea today to meet members of the new government, including Prime Minister Peter O'Neill and Foreign Minister Rimbink Pato.

The meetings will include discussions on Asia-Pacific regional issues, trade and investment links, aid, and political and economic developments in Papua New Guinea and Bougainville.

Following the meetings in Port Moresby, Mr McCully will travel to the Highlands region with Mr Pato for a first-hand look at economic development, agriculture and energy opportunities.

"This visit comes at an important juncture in the relationship between Papua New Guinea and New Zealand," Mr McCully says.

"I will be meeting with a new PNG government, formed after elections in July for which New Zealand provided vital logistical support."

Mr McCully will be accompanied by a small business delegation.