Friday, January 30, 2026-New Zealand has rejected an invitation from President Donald Trump to join his newly formed Board of Peace, with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon saying the government will not participate “in its current form.”
The initiative, first announced by Trump last week, was designed to help oversee and sustain the fragile ceasefire in Gaza but has since expanded ambitions to play a broader role in mediating global conflicts. Despite invitations sent to dozens of world leaders, major Western allies have been cautious or declined to join.
Foreign Minister Winston Peters emphasized that regional powers and other states have already stepped up to contribute to the board’s role on Gaza, and that New Zealand’s involvement would not “add significant further value.”
He also stressed the importance of any peace‑focused body operating in a way that is consistent with the United Nations Charter, underlining Wellington’s longstanding support for multilateralism and established international frameworks. The government has said it will continue to monitor developments around the board.
The Board of Peace has drawn mixed reactions globally, with several countries accepting the invitation and others, including some European states, also declining. Critics have raised questions about the board’s mandate, potential overlap with the UN’s role, and the clarity of its long‑term objectives. New Zealand’s decision signals growing diplomatic caution among traditional U.S. allies as debates continue over how best to support peace and stability in Gaza and beyond.
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