Auckland, Jan. 12 -- New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Defence Minister Judith Collins KC today expressed New Zealand support for strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen threatening commercial shipping in the Red Sea.

"Today's strikes support international security and trade, on which New Zealanders rely," Foreign Minister Winston Peters said.

"Nearly 15 per cent of global trade flows through the Red Sea and Suez Canal. Supply chain disruptions mean higher costs for New Zealand consumers and delays getting goods to and from markets in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.

"We are a trading nation that relies on international maritime law and the free flow of goods, and Houthi actions strike at the heart of New Zealand...