By TeKāhu

Last week, Te Pāti Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer released a barrage of alarming rhetoric against Israel following the terror attacks that saw whole families wiped out by Hamas terror attacks on the 7th of October.

Ms Ngarewa-Packer’s words were then doubled down by her political party:

In response, the Israel Institute of NZ has released the following:

PRESS RELEASE START

This is a public statement on behalf of Maori leadership across Aotearoa addressing the statements of Te Pāti Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, calling for the ambassador of Israel to be expelled.

Her statements were not based on fact concerning the current situation regarding the conflict between Hamas terrorist organisation and the state of Israel.

Ms Packer has made strong claims against the Israel Defence Forse, accusing them of a hospital strike that took the lives of citizens of Gaza. This is not true. The IDF and the American Intelligence have reviewed all footage including recordings of Hamas militants speaking of a misfire.

The overwhelming evidence shows that the cause of the strike on the hospital in Gaza was a result of a missile fired by Islamic Jihad terrorists.

Even after the evidence and statements have been released, Te Pāti Māori still maintains its false claims. Their irresponsible actions have spread misinformation, incited ill-feeling against Jewish communities who have been targeted and intimidated, and their families and livelihoods endangered.

We, as Māori, do not support the views of Te Pāti Māori and co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer.

We call on Te Pāti Māori to retract their statements against Israel, calling the Ambassador of Israel to be expelled.

We call on the media to correct the false claim.

We stand by Israel and her right to defend her territories and citizens.

We condemn the acts of terrorism committed by the Hamas terrorist organisation.

We, as a body of Māori leaders, stand by Ambassador Ran Yaakoby and his family, committing to pray for them. We pray for the state of Israel. And for the Jewish communities who are grieving the loss of their loved ones. Our heart goes out to you all.

Signatories:

• Tawhiri Littlejohn, Nga Puhi Me Ngati Whatua
• Dr Sheree Trotter, Te Arawa
• Apotoro Rehita Kereama Pene, Ratana Leader
• Ngati Whatua Kaumatua Te Hurihanga, Ngapuhi
• Te Aka Matua Kaumatua Rangitukehu Paora, Ngati Awa
• Hon Alfred Ngaro, leader New Zeal
• Brad Haami, Ngati Awa
• Māori adviser and Indigenous academic Richard Nahi, Ngapuhi
• Te Aka Matua Jacqueline and Wally Te Huia, Nga Puhi Me Ngati Whatua
• Lorinda and John Pereira, Ngapuhi, Ahu Whenua Navigations Ltd.

PRESS RELEASE END

With antisemitism rising worldwide, there is a concern that New Zealand has facilitated an environment not dissimilar to 1930s Germany, which eventually led to the genocide of 6 million Jews.

Image of Ms Ngarewa-Packer from political page.