Labour has endorsed Christchurch City Council’s decision to cease business dealings with companies involved in Israel’s settlements in the Occupied Territories.

The vote marks the first time a local council in New Zealand has taken such a stance.

The motion was based on a United Nations list of companies identified as complicit in supporting settlement activities.

However, the move is largely symbolic, as the council does not currently conduct business with any of the companies listed by the UN.

The decision has sparked backlash from some online commentators, who accused the council of overstepping its mandate.

However, Labour’s associate foreign affairs spokesperson, Phil Twyford, praised the council’s action and encouraged other councils to follow suit.

“It is great that Christchurch is the first council in New Zealand to take up this cause. We hope others will follow this example,” he said.

Twyford added that the council’s decision reflects a growing public desire for an end to the conflict in Gaza and support for a political solution that includes the establishment of a Palestinian state.