Summarised by Centrist
In a spirited address, Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters declared war on what he calls “woke social engineering,” claiming New Zealand First is leading a political resurgence based on common sense, meritocracy, and national unity.
“This party is seriously on the rise,” Peters told supporters, mocking media and political opponents for underestimating NZ First.
He blasted diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices in government, calling them “an insidious cancer” that undermines competence.
“We announced that we wanted all Public Service hiring to be based on merit … and you should’ve seen the reaction—apoplectic,” he said.
Peters reaffirmed NZ First’s push to remove puberty blockers for children, abolish gender ideology in schools, and ban men from competing in women’s sport.
He also took aim at the Waitangi Tribunal and Māori wards, calling for a return to “one country, one people, one vote.” His speech rejected what he labelled race-based policymaking: “DEI, whatever that means, drums up racial rhetoric that only serves to divide our country.”
Peters reserved some of his strongest language for climate policy, attacking the Paris Agreement and carbon spending: “Why are we punishing our farmers and economy when China or the US can sneeze and produce more CO₂ overnight than we do in a year?”
Framing himself as a bulwark against “fascists,” “Marxist ideals,” and a Labour-Greens-TPM bloc he stated:
“How many Labour leaders on the front bench have ever had a real job? How many have ever run their own business? Almost none—and they want to represent you, the workers.”
Image: US Embassy
