What is New Zealand’s response? We do not know!
Unlike New Zealand, Canada has always believed in and stood up for a rules-based international order, diplomacy over intimidation, and respecting national sovereignty. Canada is standing up to the school bully because they know that giving in once will only lead to more demands.
As a country with a real stake in a rule-based international order and free trade, we must be clear about where we stand as Kiwis. Are we standing with our democratic partners in Europe and Canada, defending the principle of self-determination, or are we allowing Trump’s strong-arm boxing gloves tactics to go unchallenged? What if we want to make a deal with China, Canada, or Europe? Do we now have to ask the fascist Trump administration first?
Perhaps we feel too small as a nation to have any control over the corrupt Trump regime’s actions. Are we just continuing to sit on the fence, hoping that the school bully will leave us alone, afraid to speak up and hiding quietly in the corner, silent as usual?
Mr. Luxon and Mr. Peters, we know it’s an election year and you have re-election concerns, but it’s time to stop avoiding the issue and grow a spine because we will make this an election issue if you don't. Get off the fence and show support for Europe and Canada, or make it clear that we are with the US and fascism. We can't be on both sides at the same time forever!
It is time to set boundaries and push back. If our government's strategy is, in fact, buying time and kowtowing to the Trump regime, and bending the knee to the dictator, please let us know because us Kiwis have a right to know what the plan actually is!
Support this petition below financially if you can, or at least share the petition as much as you can, please. Thanks to everyone that signed our petitions already and defended our democracy, just like the Ukrainian people do right now in Ukraine. Glory to Ukraine!