Environment Southland has voted to take a stand against companies involved with illegal Israeli settlements on occupied Palestinian land.

The regional council has agreed to adjust its procurement policy to exclude companies on a United Nations list following a June request from Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA).

A follow-up report from an August committee meeting recommended the council take a “moral stance”, which became reality on Wednesday at a full meeting of council.

PSNA Invercargill member Seren Palliser-O’Donohoe was pleased with the outcome.

“This is a small but important moment for Southland and we're grateful for the councillors who acted today."

Palliser-O’Donohoe said she believed Western governments had failed to hold Israel to account and called on the New Zealand government to implement changes based off the United Nations Security Council resolution.

The decision meant the council now barred itself from dealing with a host of Israeli-owned companies included in the 2023 resolution.

But it did not go so far as to prevent itself from dealing with non-Israeli suppliers on the list— some of which include Airbnb, Expedia, TripAdvisor and Booking.com.

The council noted "occasional use" of those companies could be required, but aimed to minimise direct use.

Environment Southland joins other councils around the country in observing the United Nations list, including Christchurch City Council, Environment Canterbury and Nelson City Council.

In June, Invercargill City Council narrowly voted against adoption when Mayor Nobby Cark’s casting vote proved the difference.

There are 97 companies listed on the United Nations Security Council’s resolution, known as the UNSCR 2334.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air