Leading the way in foreign affairs

Governments come and go, but Winston's diplomatic relationships stand the test of time.

Rt Hon Winston Peters represented New Zealand at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Kuala Lumpur recently, before returning to Wellington for the current three-week sitting block in parliament.

Hear from the Minister from Foreign Affairs in some of his recent interviews:

• Winston Peters: We can't get trade without security
• Winston Peters on Trump's threat to Russia
• Winston Peters talks popularity on The Country
• Winston Peters talks about that UN letter

New Zealand on the cusp of making history

This week, Winston has responded to the latest round of baseless attacks from Guyon Espiner and RNZ, as they clutch at make believe straws dating back to when the Labour government was in power.

“New Zealand First is proud of the smokefree legislation, which is backed by ASH, that we have implemented and that we are still implementing.  We will not resile from good legislation making just because some desperate journalist has an unhealthy obsession with a political party that he can’t stand is winning.” - Winston Peters

Kiwis are sick of the same sound bites from these journalists who relitigate nonsense over and over. We are continuing to deliver what we know works, and New Zealand is on track to become the first truly smokefree nation. Hear the updates from Casey Costello in the house this week HERE.

Shane Jones on the go

Shane went to war against 10,000 lizards: the Department of Conservation backtracked over a decision to elevate lizards above human beings, that threatened hundreds of jobs in Otago. New Zealand First is the constant voice for regional development, and self-sufficiency.

“The most important thing is, does the public want jobs in Otago? Does the public want $700 million worth of export revenue? I do.” – Shane Jones

Hear more from Shane HERE.

Sky News Australia were keen to clone our very own energy champion, when interviewing him earlier the week on all things energy and resources. Check out the full interview below:

• NZ is ridding net zero policies ‘brick by brick’ after Jacinda Ardern’s ‘crippling’ gas decision

What actions is the Government taking to increase economic growth? The practical answers, as always, are coming from New Zealand First. Shane answered this question in the house last week, and you can also hear more in another of his recent interviews.

• Shane Jones: Gas supplies have decreased worsened by Ardern's cancellation of an entire industry
• Special economic zones proposed to incentivise domestic fuel producers

Shane is now in Niue for the week to boost the fortunes of the fishing industry, meeting with other Pacific leaders discussing sustainability and development of our nation’s shared resource.

MPs on tour

Our New Zealand First ‘Winter Tour’ is continuing, with our MPs hosting public meetings across the country. Make sure you check out the events page of our website for upcoming dates.

Shane headed into the regions for the first of his public meetings – kicking off in New Plymouth with not one, but two back-to-back speeches after the venue was overwhelmed with public support.

We know that regional New Zealand has a champion in Shane Jones, and he will continue with his gospel of growth in the coming weeks.

Disclaimer: no megaphones were harmed in the filming of this clip.

Dr David ‘big wave Dave’ Wilson was sworn in last week as our new Member of Parliament and is quickly getting up to speed with the ways of Wellington.

Make sure you check out his recent interview with Q+A, as well as our podcast FirstHand where he is interviewed by caucus colleague Andy Foster. You can tune in to parliament TV on Thursday 24 July at 5.40pm to hear David’s maiden speech live.