Key Takeaways
- NZ First deputy leader Shane Jones warned the party will face challenges from both cultural‑Marxist “re‑ordering” forces and entrenched economic elites who benefit from concentration of power in banking, energy and supermarkets.
- Party leader Winston Peters used his opening address to attack the Green Party’s policy missteps, dismiss Opportunity as media‑propped, and criticise the Government’s free‑trade deal with India, framing it as a threat to New Zealand’s sovereignty.
- Peters reiterated NZ First’s commitment to tackling the cost‑of‑living crisis and pledged to “turn this election result upside down” by rebuilding the nation to its former greatness.
- The convention featured a lively, standing‑ovation‑receiving crowd, including several former politicians from Labour and National who have recently joined NZ First, signalling a broadening of the party’s base.
- Peters cautioned members against speaking to journalists without authorization, emphasizing disciplined message control while maintaining a humorous tone.
- Despite recent poll numbers showing NZ First at 11.5 %, Peters claimed the party is performing better than perceived and expressed confidence in a turnaround.
Opening Remarks and Party Unity
Shane Jones opened the NZ First convention in Auckland with a stark warning that the party would be “challenged” from all sides. He framed the dual threat as coming from progressive activists seeking to “reorder New Zealand society without a mandate” under the banner of cultural Marxism, and from powerful economic interests that profit from the current concentration of wealth in sectors such as banking, energy and supermarkets. Jones restated NZ First’s long‑standing pledge to tackle anti‑competitive practices in those industries, positioning the party as a defender of ordinary Kiwis against both ideological overreach and corporate dominance. His remarks set a combative tone for the weekend, signalling that NZ First intends to contest both cultural and economic battlegrounds in the upcoming election.
Winston Peters’ Address and Electoral Strategy
Following Jones, leader Winston Peters took the stage to rally the hundreds of members gathered at the Due Drop Events Centre in Manukau. Peters used his opening address to launch a pointed critique of rival parties, accusing the Green Party of repeated policy missteps and dismissing Opportunity as a media‑constructed entity lacking genuine public support. He declared that the convention’s purpose was to “build our country back to the greatness it once had” and to “turn this election result upside down,” underscoring a confident, if ambitious, electoral outlook. Peters also reiterated his opposition to the Government’s free‑trade agreement with India, warning that New Zealanders must not be “deluded” into believing the deal serves national interests, and pledged to make this issue a centrepiece of the party’s campaign.
Cost‑of‑Living Focus and Economic Policy
A central theme throughout Peters’ speech was the rising cost of living, which he identified as a pressing concern for everyday New Zealanders. He linked this issue to the broader economic concentration highlighted by Jones, arguing that unchecked corporate power in banking, energy and retail drives up prices for essential goods and services. Peters promised that NZ First would prioritise policies aimed at reducing household expenses, including measures to increase competition in key sectors and to scrutinise government spending that may exacerbate inflation. By anchoring the party’s platform in tangible economic relief, Peters sought to connect with voters who feel squeezed by housing, food and energy costs.
Critique of Media and Message Discipline
True to convention tradition, Peters devoted considerable time to addressing the media, warning members to exercise caution when speaking to journalists. He quipped, “Just because there’s a microphone in front of your mouth doesn’t mean you have to answer,” and advised anyone uncertain about a response to defer to the party leader, spokesperson or minister. While delivering the advice with a laugh, Peters underscored the importance of maintaining a disciplined, unified message, especially in a political environment where soundbites can be easily taken out of context. This media‑strategy reminder reflects NZ First’s broader effort to control its narrative amid heightened scrutiny.
Crowd Reaction and Veteran Presence
The event attracted a large, vocal audience that responded with standing ovations for both Shane Jones and Winston Peters, indicating strong enthusiasm among the party’s base. Notably, several figures from NZ First’s past were present in the crowd, including former president Anne Martin, whom Peters said he was pleasantly surprised to see attending. Former minister Ron Mark was also observed; reports suggest he is contemplating a return to active politics and a possible cabinet role. The presence of these veterans underscored a sense of continuity and renewed interest in the party’s direction.
Influx of Former Politicians from Other Parties
Peters highlighted the recent influx of high‑profile former politicians from other parties as a sign of NZ First’s growing relevance. He specifically welcomed former Labour ministers Rino Tirikatene and Dover Samuels, describing their addition as “marvellous” and evidence that politicians across the spectrum are recognising NZ First as the “one party now that’s critically needed.” The party has also attracted former Cabinet ministers Stuart Nash and Alfred Ngaro. Peters refrained from commenting on Mark’s potential return to Cabinet, arguing that showing preference would undermine the party’s list system and fairness principles, thereby reinforcing NZ First’s commitment to internal democratic processes.
Poll Performance and Confidence in a Turnaround
Referencing the most recent RNZ Reid Research poll, which placed NZ First at 11.5 %, Peters asserted that the party is “doing better in the polls than you think.” He expressed confidence that the momentum built at the convention would translate into improved electoral performance, despite the current modest showing. Peters’ optimism was buoyed by the enthusiastic reception from attendees and the perceived broadening of the party’s appeal through new member sign‑ups. He framed the upcoming election as an opportunity to reverse recent setbacks and restore what he described as New Zealand’s former greatness.
Conclusion and Outlook for the Campaign
The opening session of NZ First’s convention set a combative, policy‑focused tone for the party’s election campaign. Jones and Peters articulated a dual challenge: resisting ideological re‑ordering while confronting economic concentration that drives up living costs. Their critiques of rival parties, the media, and specific government policies—particularly the India free‑trade deal—were aimed at differentiating NZ First in a crowded political landscape. The strong show of support from longtime members, the arrival of former politicians from other parties, and the party’s emphasis on cost‑of‑living relief all suggest a strategy aimed at capturing disaffected voters across the spectrum. Whether this enthusiasm can translate into electoral gains remains to be seen, but the convention clearly signalled NZ First’s intent to be a formidable, if polarising, force in the next election.