ACT draws a line on antisemitism

ACT is welcoming cross-party support for a motion condemning antisemitism, after a survey revealed a new high in antisemitic incidents in New Zealand in 2025.

The Antisemitism Worldwide Report notes 143 antisemitic incidents in New Zealand in 2025, compared to 131 incidents in 2024, 134 in 2023, and eight in 2022.

All parties in Parliament today approved a motion without notice presented by ACT, stating: “That this House condemn all incidents of antisemitism in New Zealand, and affirm that antisemitism has no place here.”

“A democratic society works through disagreement with free speech and open debate – not with violence, intimidation, and vandalism,” says ACT Leader David Seymour.

“Of course, overseas conflict will stir strong feelings and disagreement. But we do not need to accept imported hatred.

“New Zealanders all have something in common – we or our ancestors have crossed thousands of miles of ocean to build lives together at the bottom of the world. Whatever our differences in religion, ancestry, or worldviews, our strength as a nation depends on basic respect for each other as neighbours and equal citizens.

“Too often, antisemitism is dressed up or explained away when it should simply be condemned.

“A free society depends on clear rules. You can say what you like, believe what you like, and criticise who you like, but you do not get to threaten or target people for who they are. Parliament should be crystal clear about that, not because words alone solve the problem, but because clarity sets the standard.

“Today's stand reaffirms the kind of country we are, one where everyone lives under the same rules, with the same rights and the same protection.”