Summarised by Centrist
Christchurch has made headlines as the first New Zealand city to penalise companies involved with Israeli settlements. Christchurch City Council passed a policy that will stop doing business with firms linked to Israel’s settlement activities on Palestinian territory.
The council vote follows similar steps by Environment Canterbury and is aligned with UNSC Resolution 2334, which condemns Israeli settlements.
An internal council report, referencing advice from MFAT, found the policy supports ethical procurement in line with international law. Despite opposition from figures like Ben Kepes of the NZ Jewish Council, the policy received strong backing.
The push for divestment echoes moves by Victoria University of Wellington, which recently dropped Israeli bonds, and growing global support for the Boycott, Divestment, Sanction (BDS) movement. Ireland, too, is considering legislation to ban trade with Israeli settlements, following an International Court of Justice advisory opinion urging international actions against the occupation.
