A group of Christian clergy have staged protests at the electorate offices of two National Party ministers, calling on the Government to impose sanctions on Israel over the war in Gaza.
The demonstrations took place at Finance Minister Nicola Willis’ office in Johnsonville, Wellington, and Health Minister Simeon Brown’s office in Pakuranga, Auckland.
The priests said they would not leave until the Government provided a timeframe for implementing sanctions.
At Willis' office, five Anglican priests and one Catholic priest chained themselves together and prayed at the entrance. One priest locked himself to the door using what appeared to be a bike lock.
Reverend Mel Mckenzie of St Anne’s Parish in Northland said the group felt compelled to take action after exhausting other avenues.
"We invite the Hon Nicola Willis and any other members of Cabinet to join us in fasting today in solidarity with those currently starving — to contemplate the hungry bellies of children, the limbs torn off by Israeli bombs, and the displacement of millions from their homes, and to weep as Jesus wept. Until they join us, we will remain here," Mckenzie said.
Meanwhile, at Brown’s office, two Anglican priests and two Baptist pastors prayed inside the building. Police said five trespass notices were issued to members of the group, who left without incident.
Reverend Richard Bonifant, vicar of St Matthew’s in the City, said from Brown’s office that statements and travel bans were no longer enough.
"Sanctions helped end South African apartheid, and a growing list of countries are now using targeted sanctions to pressure the Israeli government," Bonifant said.
"We call on Cabinet to introduce meaningful sanctions on the Israeli government without delay."
Foreign Minister Winston Peters said the coalition Government's position on formally recognising the state of Palestine would be revealed at the UN in New York next week later this month.
Travel bans against what Peters referred to as two "extremist" Israeli politicians were implemented in June.
Peters said Israel's Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir would be banned from travelling to New Zealand for "using their leadership positions to actively undermine peace and security and remove prospects for a two-state solution".
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