New Zealand has decided not to join U.S. President Donald Trump’s newly launched Board of Peace, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon confirmed in a statement on Tuesday.
The Board of Peace, unveiled last week, was initially intended to support the fragile ceasefire in Gaza, but President Trump envisions the group taking on a broader role addressing global conflicts and engaging major world powers. Several Middle Eastern nations, including Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, as well as emerging powers like Indonesia, have already joined the initiative. However, many traditional Western allies and other global powers have approached the initiative with caution.
Prime Minister Luxon said New Zealand’s decision was based on the Board’s “current form,” signaling that the country was not opposed to the concept but required greater clarity before committing.
Foreign Minister Winston Peters elaborated on the government’s reasoning in a post on X, emphasizing that regional states had already stepped up to play key roles in addressing Gaza’s situation. “New Zealand would not add significant further value to that,” Mr. Peters wrote.
He also highlighted New Zealand’s long-standing commitment to the United Nations, noting that any new international body should operate in a manner complementary to and consistent with the UN Charter.
“It is a new body, and we need clarity on this, and on other questions relating to its scope, now and in the future,” Mr. Peters added.
Observers suggest New Zealand’s decision reflects broader caution among traditional U.S. allies regarding President Trump’s diplomatic initiatives outside established international frameworks. While the Board of Peace has attracted some attention for its high-profile membership, questions remain about its authority, operational structure, and long-term objectives.
New Zealand’s stance is consistent with its history of multilateral engagement, emphasizing measured involvement and alignment with established international norms. Analysts say the decision signals Wellington’s preference for working through recognized institutions like the UN, rather than newly formed bodies with uncertain mandates.
As the Board of Peace continues to expand its membership and outline its agenda, New Zealand has left the door open to future engagement, contingent on greater clarity regarding its mandate and alignment with international law.
