NZF updates, defending the term ‘woman’, and the RSE replacement draft

Rt Hon Winston Peters has been on another Pacific tour this week after a fiery three-week sitting block in Wellington.

• Act’s Treaty Principles Bill got voted down at its second reading and you can hear exactly what New Zealand First stands for by listening to Casey Costello speak to the Bill
• We’ve been keeping Te Pati Maori in check in the house
• We continue to champion a fair and competitive grocery sector
• We've been calling out the Green Party for their idiotic law and order stance (they think the Police should be defunded!)

What is a woman?

The former Labour Prime Minister didn't know  … but New Zealand First certainly does.

While other parties swat away the issue like it’s of no importance, we know that for half the population, the word ‘woman’ is not something to be minimised.

Associate Minister of Health, Casey Costello, wrote to Health NZ, directing them to use the word ‘woman’ instead of iterations such as ‘pregnant people’ or ‘people with a cervix’. It’s simple commonsense that only women can conceive and give birth, and protecting the very word that states that is worth fighting for. In the words of Duncan Garner this week “Casey Costello, take a bow”. Listen to Casey’s recent interview HERE.

It seems we aren’t the only ones who believe that we need to protect the rights of women. The UK Supreme Court has ruled on this very issue - yet more confirmation that we are representing the silent majority of Kiwis who believe in the importance and value of the term ‘woman’.

RSE guidelines

Great news for the parents and caregivers who have been waiting for the next stages of the Relationship & Sexuality Education (RSE) guidelines refresh… the draft guidelines have arrived.

In our coalition agreement, New Zealand First committed to scrapping the woke guidelines implemented by those with an agenda to indoctrinate Kiwi kids. These guidelines were officially scrapped on the last day of term one this year.

The refreshed guideline draft document is now out for consultation, and you can have your say by going to the following website:

Consultation on draft RSE framework is now open

Winning with wool

In a move to back New Zealand sheep farmers and the wool industry, the Deputy Prime Minister and the Associate Agriculture Minister announced changes to procurement rules that will see government agencies directed to use woollen fibre products in the construction and refurbishment of government buildings.

Mark Patterson's tenacity weaves a better deal for wool

Champion for wool, Mark Patterson, has been working tirelessly for the benefit of the wool sector and New Zealand First has long advocated for this unique Kiwi product to be showcased throughout the world as well as on home shores.

“We’re walking the talk. This move will hopefully inspire private businesses to follow suit… The wool sector contributed $549 million to the New Zealand economy in the financial year ending 2024 from exporting processed and unprocessed wool products.” – Mark Patterson

MPs out and about

Winston attending the Adopt a Greyhound event at parliament.

A long-time advocate for Defence, New Zealand First welcomed the announcement to increase defence spending to 2% of GDP by 2032.

Shane Jones at his most recent Regional Growth Summit in the Chatham Islands.

Casey Costello joined the Prime Minster to recognise the tireless work of New Zealand customs officials.

Mark Patterson battling the elements at the re-opening of the Kereru Gorge in Hawke’s Bay following the 2023 cyclone.

Attending the Chatham Islands Regional Summit with Shane Jones.

Jenny Marcroft meeting with MPI fisheries teams to discuss healthy biodiversity for our oceans.

Tanya Unkovich and Jamie Arbuckle attending the recent Polyfest in Auckland.

Andy Foster as part of the Prime Minister’s cross-party delegation trip to India, and then this week in the Pacific with the Deputy Prime Minister.

The New Zealand First team wishes you all a safe and happy Easter weekend.