Former Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta says she can't "dwell on mistakes" after she appeared to reject official advice about the wording of a tweet following Hamas' October 7 attack on Israel.
While still acting as Foreign Minister, Mahuta tweeted on the morning of October 8: "Aotearoa New Zealand is deeply concerned at the outbreak of conflict between Israel and Gaza. We call for the immediate cessation of violence.
"The protection of all civilians, and upholding of international humanitarian law is essential."
However, documents released under the Official Information Act appeared to show the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade advised Mahuta's office to use stronger language.
MFAT initially suggested tweeting: "Aotearoa New Zealand unequivocally condemns rocket and terror attacks from Gaza into Israel and calls for their immediate cessation.
"With a high risk of escalation, the protection of civilians, and upholding of international humanitarian law is essential."
The documents said Mahuta's office disagreed with the wording, so MFAT drafted another tweet.
Former senior Labour minister Nanaia Mahuta joined Q+A with Jack Tame to discuss a number of topics. (Source: Q and A)
When asked if her initial tweet was a mistake, Mahuta told Q+A she "quickly clarified" New Zealand's position after her initial post and strengthened her language to condemn Hamas.
"Look, I can't dwell on mistakes. We drew a line as soon as we got more information around condemnation of the actions of Hamas."
Outgoing Prime Minister Chris Hipkins, who was campaigning on October 8, was asked about the outbreak of fighting at the time.
He condemned Hamas' "terror attacks", said Hamas' military wing was designated a terrorist organisation by New Zealand, and recognised Israel's right to defend itself.
Later that day, Mahuta tweeted again, saying New Zealand "utterly condemns the terrorist attacks led by Hamas on Israel" and "continues to urge restraint from all parties in the region in order to prevent the further loss of civilian lives".
Mahuta told Q+A there was a time delay "in terms of when the information came through, when I saw it, and when the tweet went out".
The information "came to me through another party", Mahuta said, refusing to divulge who it was or whether it was an official source.
She said while she was Foreign Affairs Minister, the country had "drawn a line under some key statements".
"Firstly, condemn the actions of Hamas and call for the unconditional release of prisoners held hostage by Hamas; we've supported Israel to defend itself in accordance with international law; we've also called for a humanitarian pause in order for humanitarian aid corridors to be opened up.
"And we've identified that the huge loss of civilian lives is unacceptable and is harrowing as we continue to see this conflict unfold."
She said figures like the UN Secretary-General António Guterres had also been criticised for some of his comments that were seen to be too soft. Mahuta said Guterres also had to clarify his comments.
"So if I get too caught up on original tweets based on information I had at the time but have since clarified, then we're focusing on the wrong thing."
What mattered now was calling for the opening of diplomatic channels and a humanitarian pause so aid can get into Gaza, Mahuta said.
"We also need to ensure that there's an acceleration of talks, real talks around the two-state solution.
"That's got to be the absolute focus of any discourse that is happening right at this moment around Israel and Gaza."
She said New Zealand had a part to play in the de-escalation of conflict between Hamas and Israel.
"It's a catastrophe for humanity to see the increased loss of lives, most of whom are women and children. It's horrific."
Since October 7, at least 11,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
About 1200 Israelis were killed in the Hamas attacks on October 7, according to officials in Israel.
Q+A is Public Interest Journalism funded by NZ On Air
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