Summarised by Centrist
Winston Peters used his party’s annual general meeting in Palmerston North to declare New Zealand First is on track for a “massive political victory” at the next election.
The Foreign Minister said both Labour and National had promised quick fixes in 2023, but had instead “blown the country into massive debt.” Peters told delegates that New Zealand’s problems would take “years and maybe decades to turn around,” arguing only NZ First was prepared to be honest with voters.
Policy remits before members included scrapping co-governance (excluding Treaty settlements), removing Treaty references from official documents, and exploring nuclear energy and a long-term migration strategy.
Guest speakers ranged from Australian senator Jacinta Price, who spoke against the Voice to Parliament, to union organiser Dennis Maga on labour law, and Ro Edge of Save Women’s Sport Australasia. Former Labour Cabinet Minister Stuart Nash also spoke. While Nash said he had not joined the party, he described having “enlightening conversations” with Peters and Shane Jones, and was keeping options open.
In his speech, Nash attacked Finance Minister Nicola Willis, the Greens, and Te Pāti Māori, criticising what he called economic naivety and “protest politics.” Dismissed from Cabinet in 2023 after repeated controversies, Nash said he felt “stabbed in the back” by then-Prime Minister Chris Hipkins.
Peters closed by urging supporters to prepare for “a massive sea change in New Zealand” heading into the 2026 campaign.
