Source: Roskill Community Group
Tuesday 28 October 2025 – The Puketāpapa / Mount Roskill Community Rally Together to Demand MP Dr. Carlos Cheung Support Sanctions on Israel
Residents from the Puketāpapa / Mount Roskill electorate will gather at Dr. Carlos Cheung’s electorate office at 4pm tomorrow (Wednesday 29 October) to deliver an open letter calling on him to support the proposed Unlawful Occupation of Palestine Sanctions Bill.
Put forward by Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick in December 2024, the bill imposes targeted sanctions on Israel in response to their illegal occupation of Palestinian Territories. With the official backing from Labour, Te Pāti Māori, and Green MP’s, just six more Government MPs’ support is needed to progress the bill.
Signed by over 1835 constituents, the letter expresses concern of the systematic human rights abuses committed by Israel and calls on Dr. Cheung to publicly endorse the bill, advocate for its support within the National Party, and commit to voting in favour of the bill at all stages of its progression through Parliament. Notably, the number of signatories surpasses the 1564 vote-margin that won Cheung his seat in the 2023 election.
“Israel has repeatedly broken international law, not only in the past two years but since its very establishment” states local resident and spokesperson, Youssef Sammour. “We have signed this letter as voters who expect our elected officials to reflect the values of the community and stand for human rights, international accountability, and justice.”
Similar open letters are being circulated in electorates across the country, showing the growing frustration over the lack of meaningful action from the government in the wake of increased violations of international law and human rights by Israel since October 2023. Many human rights groups and genocide scholars have concluded Israel’s actions meet the legal definition of genocide and urge for stronger international efforts to protect Palestinians.
Organisers have requested a formal response from Dr. Carlos Cheung within 10 days.
