New Zealand has officially decided not to accept the invitation from US President Donald Trump to join his recently launched Board of Peace. This decision was confirmed by New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in a statement issued on January 30, 2026. The Board of Peace aims to address the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has seen significant violence and upheaval over the years. While countries such as Turkey, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia have expressed their willingness to participate, traditional US allies remain cautious about joining the initiative. Concerns have been raised regarding the unclear role of the Board and its implications on the existing global governance framework, particularly the United Nations. Foreign Minister Winston Peters emphasized that New Zealand's participation would not add significant value to the Board's work in Gaza and highlighted the importance of ensuring that any new body complements the UN Charter. The New Zealand government seeks clarity on the Board's objectives and scope before considering any involvement, reflecting a broader hesitation among Western nations regarding the legitimacy and future intentions of Trump's initiative, which some consider a potential alternative to the UN. The Board's launch comes amid Trump's controversial withdrawal from numerous UN agencies, sparking further debate about its true aims. Although New Zealand will not formally join at this stage, it remains committed to monitoring developments and engaging with the international community to find suitable resolutions to the Gaza conflict and similar geopolitical issues.