Summarised by Centrist
Winston Peters is claiming victory after the Ministry of Education removed the 2020 relationships and sexuality education guidelines, fulfilling an NZ First coalition deal promise.
Peters argued the guidelines were “woke” and “indoctrinating our kids,” while critics, including Labour leader Chris Hipkins, claimed the move put children at risk by forcing teachers to rely on outdated material from 2007.
Sexual health advocates warn that scrapping the guidelines removes key information on online safety, sexting, and consent. The Ministry of Education stated that new guidelines are being developed but assured schools they wouldn’t need to change lesson plans immediately.
Meanwhile, Peters faced media scrutiny over NZ First’s own diversity clause, which he rejected as having anything to do with “DEI” policies. Hipkins compared Peters to Donald Trump, accusing him of copying the former US president’s approach to cultural issues. Peters dismissed the criticism and remains focused on rolling back what he calls “left-wing social engineering.”
