US Decision to withdraw from WHO welcomed by NZ First leader - Winston Peters
New Zealand First Leader Winston Peters
NZ First Leader Winston Peters publicly welcomes decision to withdraw from WHO by US.
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters has welcomed the United States’ decision to withdraw from the World Health Organisation (WHO).
He has also raised questions regarding New Zealand's continuation to funding the global body.
The United States formally exited the WHO this week, one year after President Donald Trump issued notice of withdrawal through an executive order. Despite its departure, the US reportedly still owes the organisation US$260 million (approximately NZ$442 million) in outstanding fees. However, the US State Department has stated that American taxpayers have already contributed more than enough.
Reacting to the move on social media platform X, Peters criticised the WHO, describing it as unaccountable and wasteful.
“This is what happens when a bunch of unelected globalist bureaucrats are not accountable or responsible with worldwide taxpayers’ money,” he wrote.
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The comments were shared from Peters’ personal account rather than his official ministerial platform. As Foreign Affairs Minister, Peters went on to question whether New Zealand’s continued membership offers value for money.
“With the US withdrawing its membership, it puts into question the current state of the WHO, its effectiveness, and whether our taxpayers’ money is being responsibly spent overseas instead of here at home,” he said.
