Nelson council joins Israeli sanctions

Nelson City has become the third council in the country to boycott businesses which operate in illegal Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories.

On Thursday, elected members narrowly voted to update its procurement policy so it aligns with the United Nations Resolution 2334, which says that the Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories were a "flagrant violation" of international law.

The policy split opinion in the council chamber, passing by just seven votes to six, but also proved contentious amongst the community, with the public gallery being physically divided into two separate sections for supporters of Israel and Palestine.

The vote was met with cheers, hugs, and tears of joy from attending supporters of Palestine as they celebrated the decision.

The council now will not contract companies included on a list compiled by the United Nations Human Rights Council which are involved “in the building, maintenance, or consolidation” of the illegal settlements.

A company on the list will only be included on the council’s procurement shortlist “in exceptional circumstances and with the approval of the Chief Executive.”

The council has no known current procurement relationship with any of the identified companies, which are mostly Israeli but include other international firms like Airbnb, Booking.com, Expedia, and TripAdvisor.

Chief executive Nigel Philpott recommended against updating the policy, as that would send a “clear signal” of support for one side in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

“I don’t believe this council should be taking a stance on international politics.”

But deputy mayor Rohan O’Neill Stevens moved the motion, saying it was the “bare minimum” council could do to uphold fundamental human rights.

“Regardless of how small the action, I feel we are duty-bound to that shared humanity to do what we can.”

It was within the realms of council responsibility because the procurement policy determined how the city’s funds were spent, they added.

“Nelsonians have an interest, not just about finding the cheapest outcome, but actually finding the right outcome when we’re procuring.”

They were supported by councillor Kahu Paki Paki who disagreed with those who thought the council shouldn’t get involved in the issue.

He pointed to earlier presentations made to the council, which he had not wanted to occur, by supporters of Israel and Palestine.

“You bought this matter to council’s doorstep,” he said. “You can’t have it both ways.”

Kahu acknowledged the updated policy would have “little practical effect”.

“But the snowball needs to start somewhere – the world is actually made up of little councils, to think of it any other way is defeatist.”

Both Rohan and Kahu rejected the suggestion that the policy was anti-Semitic.

“This is about the actions of a state and companies support its illegal actions,” Rohan said.

However, Mayor Nick Smith remained adamant the council should not get involved.

“Imagine the chaos if everyone of New Zealand’s 78 councils had a different voice, we would make New Zealand’s voice in the world weaker.”

He thought the council shouldn’t “be taking sides in this conflict by pointing the finger solely at Israel”.

“A loss of a life is a loss of a life, and we should condemn violence consistently and regardless of the perpetrators.”

Because the council lacked expertise in international matters, Nick’s preferred approach would be to write to Israeli and Palestinian ambassadors outlining the city’s concerns and to advocate for a peaceful resolution.

Councillor James Hodgson appreciated the strong views of elected members on the subject but thought that advocacy should be done in a personal capacity rather than as a council.

“I do worry that at times, we drag our team into our political activism rather than actually releasing our team to serve our local community,” he said.

“We need to look at the tasks directly before us, that’s how we make a difference in the world.”

In addition to Nick and James, councillors Matthew Benge, Trudie Brand, Campbell Rollo and Tim Skinner, voted against updating the policy.

But they were outnumbered by Rohan, Kahu, and councillors Matty Anderson, Mel Courtney, Pete Rainey, Rachel Sanson and Aaron Stallard, who voted in favour.

Nelson follows in the steps of Environment Canterbury and Christchurch City.