100 signatures reached
To: Vanessa Weenink, MP
Support the Unlawful Occupation of Palestine Sanctions Bill
Tēnā koe Vanessa,
As constituents in your electorate, we write to express our deep concern regarding the ongoing and systematic violations of human rights committed by the Israeli regime in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT). The United Nations General Assembly—supported by the New Zealand government—has deemed this occupation a violation of international law.
In light of these grave concerns, we respectfully urge you to support the Unlawful Occupation of Palestine Sanctions Bill. This legislation provides an important and lawful mechanism for New Zealand to uphold its commitment to human rights and international law.
We believe New Zealand's failure to respond proportionately to the mass atrocities in Gaza risks rendering us complicit through inaction. As a democratic nation that upholds the principles of justice and human dignity, we must act decisively to prevent further suffering. Supporting this Bill is a meaningful, concrete step toward that goal.
Why is this important?
Why the Bill Matters
The Bill proposes targeted sanctions against individuals and entities complicit in maintaining Israel’s unlawful presence in the OPT. These sanctions would restrict the movement of assets, services, and individuals between New Zealand and those contributing to violations of international law.
The Bill builds on New Zealand’s existing sanctions framework—used in response to Russia’sinvasion of Ukraine—and is a credible, principled method for:
• Upholding the rights of Palestinians, Israelis, and others affected by the occupation and apartheid policies.
• Translating New Zealand’s verbal commitments at the United Nations into tangible legislative action.
• Reinforcing the integrity of the rules-based international order and our obligations under international law.
Call to Action
This is a member’s bill. Under Standing Order 288, it may be introduced directly if 61 or more non-executive MPs express their support. Given the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, we believe the urgency of this situation justifies bypassing the standard ballot process.
We respectfully ask you to:
1. Publicly support the introduction of this Bill, allowing Parliament to consider this critical issue in a timely and principled manner.
2. Advocate within your caucus for party support, and encourage fellow members to join the 55 MPs who already support the Bill, so we may reach the 61-MP threshold.
3. Commit to voting in favour at all stages of the Bill’s progression, demonstrating that New Zealand will not tolerate violations of international law.
A Matter of Conscience
A Matter of Conscience
Standing up for the fundamental rights of Palestinians—including children, families, and the elderly—is a moral imperative. History will remember those who chose to act in the face of injustice.
We, the undersigned, urge you to stand with us and support this Bill. It is a vital opportunity for New Zealand to show leadership, uphold international law, and affirm the values we claim to represent on the world stage.
Ngā mihi nui,
Your constituents