New Zealand First has launched its election campaign with Winston Peters promising a more independent country and a refreshed team to carry the party’s message.
The stage lit up as Peters entered the convention, while outside pro-Palestinian and environmental protesters gathered, including one dressed as the Grim Reaper.
Inside, the party focused on immigration, energy, health and the cost of living, with Shane Jones warning about population growth and the pressure it could place on Māori.
The campaign also introduced new candidates, including former All Blacks captain Taine Randell, who is standing in Tukituki, and businessman George Ngatai, who is contesting Papakura.
Randell said he entered politics because he was concerned about the future facing his children and future grandchildren.
“There’s no point sitting on the couch and complaining about it. Get off the couch and throw my hat in the ring,” he said.
He also criticised current energy settings, saying closures involving businesses such as Wattie’s and McCain showed the need to protect jobs and reduce costs.
Ngatai said New Zealand First appealed to him as a “common-sense party” focused on New Zealanders.
He also backed policies aimed at keeping health graduates in the country, rather than losing them to Australia and other overseas markets.
Jones said the new candidates would need to learn how Parliament operates, promote party policies in their communities, and build their kete of knowledge through experience.
The party’s final message was familiar: New Zealand’s interests must come first heading into this year’s election.