Key Takeaways
- New Zealand First’s popularity is rising, reaching 11.5 % in the latest RNZ‑Reid Research poll – its best showing in nearly a decade – while National has fallen to a low of 28.7 % under Christopher Luxon.
- The party’s conference in Auckland attracted around 380 delegates, including former National MPs (Alfred Ngaro, Harete Hipango‑Brownlie, Michael Laws) and former Labour figures (Rino Tirikatene, Dover Samuels, Stuart Nash), signalling broad cross‑party appeal.
- Leader Winston Peters framed the surge as a shift toward nationalism with a “capital N,” arguing that voters are leaving other parties because they perceive them as too weak or overly globalist.
- Peters warned of “demographic engineering,” criticized the Indian Free Trade Agreement, and called for policies that prioritize wages, sovereignty, and merit‑based university admissions.
- Deputy leader Shane Jones opened the conference, emphasizing a unified push toward victory on 7 November and hinting at a competitive list process for Cabinet positions.
- Delegates will vote on several remits, including merit‑based admissions, senior wellness checks, rejecting sovereignty‑undermining international agreements, and affirming “one law for all.”
Rise in Polling Numbers Signals Growing Support
New Zealand First’s fortunes are on an upward trajectory. The most recent RNZ‑Reid Research poll placed the party at 11.5 %, marking three consecutive gains and its highest level in almost ten years. This contrasts sharply with National’s decline to 28.7 %, the lowest point since Christopher Luxon assumed leadership. The shift suggests that a notable portion of the electorate is re‑evaluating traditional party loyalties and looking toward NZ First’s platform.
Former National and Labour Members Join the Ranks
The Auckland conference drew roughly 380 delegates, many of whom are newcomers to the party. Former National MPs Alfred Ngaro, Harete Hipango‑Brownlie, and media personality Michael Laws were present, as were ex‑Labour figures Rino Tirikatene, Dover Samuels, and Stuart Nash. Their participation underscores NZ First’s ability to attract politicians disillusioned with their former parties, citing policy weakness or ideological drift as motivating factors.
Personal Testimonies Highlight Disillusionment with Other Parties
Several new members shared their reasons for switching allegiance. One delegate recalled, “Granddad was blue, dad was blue, I was blue until I woke up,” indicating a generational shift away from National’s traditional blue branding. Another former National member described the party as “too weak” in policy terms, while a Labour‑turned‑NZ First supporter said she joined because the party’s principles aligned with her personal beliefs and she “supports Winston and Shane 100 percent.” These narratives illustrate a broader voter sentiment that existing parties are not adequately addressing New Zealand’s challenges.
Peters Embraces Nationalism as the Party’s Core Message
Winston Peters addressed the crowd, framing the party’s growth as a response to a nationalism he describes with a “capital N.” He asserted that voters are gravitating toward NZ First because they perceive other parties as lacking strength or being overly committed to globalist agendas. Peters claimed that the party offers a clear alternative focused on putting New Zealand first, a message that resonated with attendees who feel neglected by mainstream politics.
Warning Against “Demographic Engineering”
During his speech, Peters cautioned the audience about what he termed “demographic engineering,” suggesting that powerful interests are attempting to reshape New Zealand’s societal composition without the consent of ordinary citizens. He argued that NZ First must not be “hobbled, stared down, or cowered” by these forces, emphasizing the need to reflect the concerns of “garden‑variety Kiwis” who observe unsettling changes in their communities. Though he did not elaborate further when pressed, the remark signaled a key thematic focus for the campaign.
Economic Critique and Opposition to the Indian Free‑Trade Agreement
Peters also revisited his longstanding criticism of the Indian Free‑Trade Agreement, contending that its benefits are being overstated by those who have not fully read the deal. He linked the agreement to broader economic woes, describing a “sliding” economy and insisting that wages must be raised to restore national prosperity. By positioning the party as the defender of New Zealand’s economic sovereignty, Peters sought to differentiate NZ First from competitors perceived as conceding too much to external partners.
Media Relations and Internal Party Discipline
In a notable aside, Peters reminded members that possessing a microphone does not obligate them to speak to the press. He advised that if they preferred not to comment, they could simply say, “I’ll leave it to the leader.” This comment highlighted the party’s desire to maintain message discipline while acknowledging the inevitable media presence at the conference. It also underscored Peters’ role as the primary spokesperson for the party’s official stance.
Conference Logistics and Candidate List Revealed
The gathering featured the formal unveiling of NZ First’s election candidate list, alongside a coalition‑agreement report. Prominent figures such as former minister Ron Mark attended, though he remained undecided about running for Parliament. Shane Jones, the deputy leader, opened proceedings by welcoming delegates to what he called the “first of our successful rallies as we march forward to victory” on 7 November, setting an optimistic tone for the campaign ahead.
Debate Over Cabinet Positions and List Process
When questioned about the possibility of re‑appointing former minister Ron Mark to a Cabinet role, Peters deflected, stating that showing personal preference would undermine the integrity of the party’s list system. He emphasized that the list process must remain fair and impartial, adding that “there’s going to be a long list” of aspirants vying for ministerial positions. This response signaled a commitment to a transparent, merit‑based internal selection process, even as experienced MPs seek higher office.
Policy Remits on the Agenda for Delegates
Over the weekend, delegates will vote on several key remits that could shape the party’s platform. These include advocating for legislation that mandates strictly merit‑based admissions at universities, funding a primary‑care winter wellness check for seniors, rejecting international agreements or trade deals that undermine parliamentary sovereignty, independent immigration policy, economic self‑governance, or democratic control over laws, and reaffirming the principle of “one law for all” New Zealanders. Each remit reflects the party’s broader emphasis on sovereignty, social conservatism, and pragmatic governance.
Conclusion: A Party Poised for Electoral Impact
The NZ First conference in Auckland painted a picture of a party consolidating support from disaffected National and Labour members, championing a nationalist agenda, and preparing to contest the upcoming election with a clear set of policy priorities. Rising poll numbers, a diverse influx of candidates, and a focus on issues such as economic sovereignty, merit‑based education, and senior health suggest that NZ First aims to position itself as a decisive force in New Zealand’s political landscape. Whether this momentum translates into parliamentary gains will depend on the party’s ability to convert its conference energy into voter confidence on election day.