The Human Rights Commissioner, Paul Hunt, has issued a strongly worded condemnation of rising antisemitism in New Zealand as Israel continues to prepare its response to the Hamas terrorist atrocities on 7 October.

Over the weekend thousands gathered in cities and towns across New Zealand as part of the Rally for Palestine. In Auckland protestors gathered in Aotea Square before walking to the US Consulate office, chanting “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” and “we don’t want your bloody war”.

Following the weekend’s demonstrations, the Chief Human Rights Commissioner Paul Hunt told Newstalk ZB Plus, “The demonstrations and vigils held over the weekend were peaceful, and generally a testament to how our communities are navigating this difficult time.

“However, there are several examples that have come to light, involving the totally unacceptable use of antisemitic imagery and tropes. One instance included a person holding an Israeli flag with the Star of David replaced by a Nazi swastika.

“This is utterly unacceptable, and risks setting back the vital, hard work that is going on to ensure that everyone is able to express themselves in Aotearoa New Zealand without discrimination or fear for their safety.

The Commission will continue to monitor the situation for antisemitic or anti-Muslim rhetoric or imagery, and harmful stereotypes.”

Juliet Moses, spokesperson for the New Zealand Jewish Council, added: “Many people have strong views about what is happening on the other side of the world. However, as Kiwis we must all strive to maintain a tolerant society and we call on leaders and authorities to make it clear that the antisemitism that is rapidly rising in all facets of life is unacceptable.”

The Council expressed its alarm at a statement made by the General Secretary of the New Zealand Board of Imams which used language that the Council described as “incendiary” in a call to action against the “Zionist regime of Israel”. The statement repeated the now largely debunked claim that Israel was responsible for bombing the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital.

The Council expressed its view that the statement made by the General Secretary of the New Zealand Board of Imams has caused widespread distress to a community that includes many Israelis who are traumatized and grieving after the Hamas terrorist attack on Israeli civilians.

In addition, The New Zealand Jewish Council called on political leaders and religious leaders to condemn antisemitism unequivocally as the New Zealand Jewish community experiences unprecedented levels of antisemitic abuse.

It comes as the change in government has rendered New Zealand’s official position largely pedestrian in comparison to the country’s closest security partners.

On 12 October it was reported that Prime Minister Hipkins had asked for official advice as to whether the political wing of Hamas should be designated a terrorist entity under New Zealand law.

Yesterday, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson advised Newstalk ZB Plus, “New Zealand has designated the military wing of Hamas as a terrorist organisation since 2010. Designations are made under our Terrorism Suppression Act.”

“The Prime Minister has asked for more advice on designation under the Terrorism Suppression Act of the political wing of Hamas, and as the Prime Minister has stated in the media, that advice will go to the next government when it is formed.”

“The officials’ Terrorist Designations Working Group has initiated the work to develop this advice. At this stage we cannot confirm when the advice will be finalised. A thorough due diligence process is required to ensure all the strict legal tests and criteria are met before an entity can be designated under the Terrorism Suppression Act.”