Opposition parties, Palestinian groups and a former prime minister have expressed dismay over New Zealand’s decision not to recognise Palestinian statehood, saying it places the country on the wrong side of history and puts it at odds with its traditional allies. Last week, the UK, Canada, Australia and others formally declared their recognition of statehood ahead of a special UN conference in New York. As of this month, 157 of the 193 UN member countries have recognised a Palestinian state. The failure to recognise statehood has angered many New Zealanders, some of whom took to social media to share their dismay after the announcement. New Zealand’s coalition government has faced increasing demands from opposition parties to recognise statehood, with pressure mounting after tens of thousands of New Zealanders marched through Auckland’s central city earlier this month.