New Zealand's absence from a global holocaust memorial event has been called disappointing by the New Zealand Jewish Council and labelled disgraceful by the Opposition.
The fifth World Holocaust Forum is in Israel this week, and marks the 75th anniversary of Auschwitz being liberated.
The list of representatives from 46 countries attending and speaking includes US Vice-President Mike Pence, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Prince Charles and France's Emmanuel Macron.
Australia is sending its Governor-General, David Hurley.
Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters says New Zealand wanted to send Speaker Trevor Mallard, but Israel didn't have the security capacity required.
He told Mike Hosking similar events will be attended.
"The Prime Minister will attend an event in New Zealand, and our Ambassador to Poland will be going to an Auschwitz commemoration."
LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW ABOVE
Take your Radio, Podcasts and Music with you
