For ongoing updates on our fellow Kiwis

Please follow @globalmovementtogaza.aunz on Instagram.

UPDATE: Two more Kiwis are now sailing to Gaza on the Conscience as part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition. Please continue to send the emails below as well as sending these additional emails regarding Will and Ava: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1V8GB-K9KawhMntFLeZmfmHDnn9eAki8_fCmVzB8YWXs

** MULTIPLE EMAIL TEMPLATES FOR DIFFERENT MPs + MFAT **

Email to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon

TO: c.luxon@ministers.govt.nz

Subject: Condemn Israel and Secure Release of New Zealand Citizens Detained on Global Sumud Flotilla

Kia ora Prime Minister Luxon,

I am writing with deep urgency and concern regarding the detention of New Zealand citizens Youssef Sammour, Rana Hamida, and Samuel Leason. These individuals were unlawfully detained by Israeli forces while engaged in the delivery of humanitarian aid aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla. Their detention is a flagrant violation of international law and humanitarian protections.

Your office has previously advised that you had informed Israel of your expectation that New Zealand citizens would be treated in accordance with international law. Yet Israel has now detained three Kiwis in international waters, in direct breach of that law. Words are no longer enough. I ask what decisive actions you will take in response.

The Government of New Zealand must not only demand their immediate release but also condemn Israel’s unlawful detention of civilians and support sanctions to ensure accountability. Anything less would signal tolerance of repeated violations of international law.

I urge you to act with urgency by:

  • Publicly condemning Israel’s unlawful detention of New Zealand citizens
  • Supporting targeted sanctions until international law is respected
  • Mobilising international partners and forums to demand accountability and the immediate release of Youssef, Rana, and Samuel

New Zealand has a moral and legal obligation to protect its citizens abroad. I trust you will honour that obligation with integrity and urgency.

Ngā mihi,

[Your Name]

[Optional: Your Electorate]

______________________

Email to Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters

TO: W.Peters@ministers.govt.nz

Subject: Immediate Action: Condemn Israel and Demand Release of New Zealand Citizens

Kia ora Minister Peters,

I write with grave concern regarding the unlawful detention of New Zealand citizens Youssef Sammour, Rana Hamida, and Samuel Leason by Israeli forces in international waters. Their detention, while engaged in a protected humanitarian mission, is unjust, unlawful, and in direct violation of international law.

As Minister of Foreign Affairs, you have both the responsibility and the platform to act decisively. This cannot be treated as a routine consular issue. It is a matter of human rights, international law, and the safety of New Zealanders.

I urge you to:

  • Demand their immediate release and protection from harm
  • Publicly condemn Israel for these violations of international law
  • Advance sanctions as a necessary consequence for Israel’s ongoing breaches of international law

Failure to act strongly would erode New Zealand’s long standing commitment to international law and human rights. The safety of these New Zealanders and the integrity of New Zealand’s foreign policy depends on immediate, principled action.

Ngā mihi,

[Your Name]

[Optional: Your Electorate]

______________________

Email to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT)

TO: consular@mfat.govt.nz

Subject: Urgent: Protect and Secure Release of New Zealand Citizens Detained by Israel

Kia ora,

I am writing to request immediate and decisive action by MFAT regarding the detention of New Zealand citizens Youssef Sammour, Rana Hamida, and Samuel Leason. Their detention by Israeli forces in international waters is unlawful, dangerous, and a clear breach of international humanitarian protections.

This cannot be treated as a standard consular case. I call on MFAT to:

  • Secure their immediate release and safe return to Aotearoa
  • Formally condemn Israel’s actions as violations of international law
  • Recommend sanctions as an essential measure to hold Israel accountable

New Zealand has a duty of care to its citizens abroad, and this duty must extend beyond words. Accountability and consequences matter, and anything less risks enabling further violations.

I urge MFAT to escalate this issue with the urgency and gravity it demands.

Ngā mihi,

[Your Name]

[Optional: Your Electorate]

______________________

Email to all other Government Cabinet Ministers

Please consider sending this email individually to the following ministers:

Hon Nicola Willis: Nicola.Willis@parliament.govt.nz

Hon Chris Bishop: Chris.Bishop@parliament.govt.nz

Hon Simeon Brown: Simeon.Brown@parliament.govt.nz

Hon Erica Stanford: Erica.Stanford@parliament.govt.nz

Hon Paul Goldsmith: Paul.Goldsmith@parliament.govt.nz

Hon Louise Upston: Louise.Upston@parliament.govt.nz

Hon Judith Collins: Judith.Collins@parliament.govt.nz

Hon Dr Shane Reti: s.reti@ministers.govt.nz

Hon Mark Mitchell: Mark.Mitchell@parliament.govt.nz

Hon Todd McClay: Todd.McClay@parliament.govt.nz

Hon Tama Potaka: Tama.Potaka@parliament.govt.nz

Hon Matt Doocey: Matt.Doocey@parliament.govt.nz

Hon Simon Watts: Simon.Watts@parliament.govt.nz

Hon David Seymour: David.Seymour@parliament.govt.nz

Hon Brooke van Velden: Brooke.Vanvelden@parliament.govt.nz

Hon Nicole McKee: Nicole.McKee@parliament.govt.nz

Hon Shane Jones: Shane.Jones@parliament.govt.nz

Hon Casey Costello: Casey.Costello@parliament.govt.nz

Subject: Immediate Action Required: Condemn Israel and Demand Release of New Zealand Citizens

Kia ora Minister [Surname],

I am writing with urgency regarding the detention of New Zealand citizens Youssef Sammour, Rana Hamida, and Samuel Leason. They were unlawfully detained by Israeli forces in international waters while delivering humanitarian aid. This is a clear violation of international law and humanitarian protections.

As a member of Cabinet, you have a responsibility to ensure the New Zealand Government not only demands their release but also takes a principled stand.

That means:

  • Condemning Israel’s unlawful detention of our citizens
  • Supporting sanctions to hold Israel accountable for its ongoing breaches of international law
  • Mobilising international forums and partners to secure their release

New Zealand’s commitment to human rights and international law is at stake. Anything less than strong condemnation and real consequences risks undermining our credibility and failing our citizens in their time of greatest need.

Ngā mihi,

[Your Name]

[Optional: Your Electorate]

______________________

Email to the leader of the Labour Party Chris Hipkins

To: chris.hipkins@parliament.govt.nz

Subject: Urgent: Demand Release, Condemn Israel, and Support Sanctions

Kia ora Mr Hipkins,

I write with urgency regarding the detention of New Zealand citizens Samuel Leason, Rana Hamida, and Youssef Sammour by Israeli forces in international waters. Their detention is illegal and places them at severe risk.

As Leader of the Opposition, you have a vital role in holding the Government accountable and showing leadership where they have failed.

I call on you to:

  • Publicly condemn Israel’s unlawful detention of our citizens
  • Support sanctions as a necessary step to ensure accountability
  • Apply every parliamentary and diplomatic channel available to secure their release

This is a defining moment. Silence or weak responses are not options when the lives of New Zealanders and our commitment to international law are on the line.

Ngā mihi,

[Your Name]

[Optional: Your Electorate]

______________________

Email to the Opposition Party Spokespeople for Foreign Affairs

Please consider sending this email individually to the following ministers:

Hon Peeni Henare: Peeni.Henare@parliament.govt.nz

Hon Phil Twyford: Phil.Twyford@parliament.govt.nz

Vanushi Walters: Vanushi.Walters@parliament.govt.nz

Teanau Tuiono: Teanau.Tuiono@parliament.govt.nz

Subject: Urgent: Demand Immediate Release of New Zealanders Detained. Condemn Israel and Support Sanctions.

Kia ora Minister Henare / Minister Twyford / Ms Walters / Mr Tuiono,

I am writing with urgency regarding the unlawful detention of New Zealand citizens Samuel Leason, Rana Hamida, and Youssef Sammour by Israeli forces in international waters during the Global Sumud Flotilla humanitarian mission.

As Foreign Affairs spokespeople, you have a responsibility to stand firmly for international law and for the safety of New Zealand citizens.

I urge you to

  • Publicly condemn Israel’s actions as illegal and dangerous
  • Support sanctions to hold Israel accountable for these violations
  • Press the Government to act decisively to secure their release

The people of Aotearoa expect their representatives, government and opposition alike, to defend the rights and safety of our citizens abroad. Anything less is unacceptable.

Ngā mihi,

[Your Name]

[Optional: Your Electorate]

______________________