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Winston Peters
New Zealand First

Winston Peters

Leader, Minister of Foreign Affairs

List MP

Before Politics

  • β—†Lawyer β€” University of Otago law graduate
  • β—†National Party MP for Tauranga from 1984
  • β—†Minister of Māori Affairs under Jim Bolger's National government

Parliamentary Career

  • β—†MP since 1984 β€” one of NZ's longest-serving politicians
  • β—†Founded New Zealand First in 1993 after being expelled from National
  • β—†Deputy PM and Treasurer 1996–1998 in coalition with National
  • β—†Deputy PM 2017–2020 in coalition with Labour
  • β—†Deputy PM until May 2025 in coalition with National and ACT
  • β—†Minister of Foreign Affairs since 2023

Key Positions

  • β†’NZ sovereignty and anti-globalism
  • β†’Superannuation protection β€” oppose raising retirement age
  • β†’Controlled immigration and migrant values statements
  • β†’Referendum to abolish Māori electorates
  • β†’Compulsory 10% KiwiSaver contributions
  • β†’English as an official language of New Zealand

Accomplishments

  • βœ“Kingmaker in multiple elections β€” only party to have governed with both National and Labour under MMP
  • βœ“Led NZ First back from political oblivion after 2020 wipeout
  • βœ“Secured significant regional development and infrastructure funding in coalition deals
  • βœ“Negotiated NZ$461 million rail network upgrade as Foreign Affairs Minister
  • βœ“Resumed NZ funding to UNRWA despite coalition tensions

Controversies

  • !Made remarks targeting Green MPs from migrant backgrounds β€” accused of racism by Labour and Greens in 2025
  • !Repeatedly criticised use of Māori language 'Aotearoa' in Parliament
  • !Publicly undercut Finance Minister Nicola Willis by claiming tax cuts created a $5.6b fiscal hole
  • !Used 'agree to disagree' clause over immigration residency pathways β€” destabilised coalition
  • !Long history of political controversy spanning four decades
  • !Opposed use of te reo Māori in public life throughout his career

Bio Summary

NZ First leader and Foreign Affairs Minister; NZ's longest-serving parliamentarian and perennial coalition kingmaker since 1993.

Neutral disclaimer: Fair Say NZ provides neutral profile data for civic education purposes. Information is based on publicly available sources. Verify via official Parliament and party websites before acting on any detail.