Foreign Minister Winston Peters has refused to be drawn over whether New Zealand will join nations taking steps to formally recognised a Palestinian state.
New Zealand is among a dwindling group of nations that have not agreed to the move to create a two state solution to address the war in Gaza.
Palestinian recognition has gained momentum in the run up to leaders week at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Peters spoke to reporters after attending the conference on a two state solution, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia.
He said countries were dealing with a "very, very wretched situation", and the "vexed question" was being debated as they spoke.
Peters said there were many days to go, and he planned to spend those days "finding out all the facts".
"We've been waiting 80 long years for an answer here, and a few days finding out all the facts will not be wasted."
Asked what information he was searching for while in New York this week, Peters said "we're here to listen, hear all the arguments, all the facts as best known, and when we have them, we will finalise our decision".
In response to whether New Zealanders might be frustrated at waiting to hear the news the same time it was being announced to the rest of the world at the United Nations, Peters said that didn't hold up.
"The idea that somehow you would jump the gun having waited 80 years because the sovereignty of the country is being challenged on not announcing in New Zealand versus the United Nations - we're sorry, that doesn't hold up."
Whether Australia, the United Kingdom and Canada had "jumped the gun" in announcing their position on Palestinian statehood early, Peters responded that the question should be put to those leaders.
Asked about the French President's comments, after Emmanuel Macron announced the country would recognise Palestine, Peters said comments by all leaders required "some serious analysis" which he'll do over the next few days.
Asked about comments by Australia's Prime Minister, who said the country's foreign policy wasn't determined by Washington, Beijing or Wellington, Peters maintained New Zealand also had an independent foreign policy.
Peters was asked about the Israeli President's reaction to Australia, the UK's and Canada's decision and whether the situation was escalating, and again emphasised New Zealand's independent foreign policy position.
"We're not here to answer for other countries. We're here to answer for ourselves and for history."
Peters said he wasn't concerned Prime Minister Christopher Luxon wasn't attending the Leaders Week.
"There are numerous leaders who are not here. He's not the only one, and I think that we can deal with this matter, and all the confidence and all the experience that is required."
The UK, Canada, Australia and Portugal all recognised a Palestinian state at the weekend.
France followed suit on Tuesday morning and four other states were expected to do so at the meeting ahead of the United Nations General Assembly.
The government has been resolute New Zealand will wait to announce its position; Prime Minister Christopher Luxon telling Morning Report on Monday "it's not a race".
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