New Zealand First
A clear guide to New Zealand First: its history, its populist and nationalist positioning, where it stands on immigration and the economy, and its role in the coalition government under Winston Peters.
Overview
- Country
- New Zealand
- Founded
- 1993
- Position
- Populist, centrist to right
- Leader
- Winston Peters
- Headquarters
- Wellington
New Zealand First is a populist and nationalist party led by Winston Peters, one of the country's most experienced and enduring politicians. It combines economic nationalism, a focus on the regions and older voters, and a firm stance on immigration and national identity. It is a partner in the coalition government led by the National Party.
Because of New Zealand's proportional voting system, New Zealand First has often held the balance of power, allowing it to choose which larger party governs and to shape policy from a central position.
History
The party was founded in 1993 by Winston Peters after he broke from the National Party. It quickly established itself as a pivotal force, entering coalition with both major parties at different times over the following decades.
New Zealand First has moved in and out of Parliament as its vote has risen and fallen, but Peters has remained its constant leader. After the 2023 election it again entered government, this time in coalition with National and ACT, with Peters taking the role of Deputy Prime Minister for part of the term and the foreign affairs portfolio.
Economic Policy
New Zealand First favours economic nationalism, supporting domestic industry, the regions, and older New Zealanders. It has backed measures such as regional development funds and protections for local ownership, and it tends to be sceptical of unrestrained globalisation. Its economic positioning is broadly centrist but shaped by a nationalist emphasis.
Foreign Policy
New Zealand First supports an independent foreign policy and the country's traditional partnerships, with Peters serving as foreign minister in coalition governments. It emphasises national sovereignty, the Pacific, and a pragmatic approach to major powers.
Where They Stand
- Combines economic nationalism with a focus on the regions
- Calls for tighter controls on immigration
- Emphasises national identity and traditional values
- Supports domestic industry and local ownership
- Often holds the balance of power in coalition talks
- Backs an independent, sovereignty-focused foreign policy
Electoral Record
New Zealand First has repeatedly held the balance of power under proportional representation, entering coalition with both major parties over the years. It returned to government after the 2023 election alongside National and ACT and contests the 2026 election as an established coalition partner.
Position on the Political Compass
New Zealand First sits on the centrist side on economics and is more authoritarian on questions of social freedom and authority.
These positions are approximate and meant as a guide. Take the test to see how your own views compare.
Key Figures
Winston Peters
Founder and long-standing leader
Founded New Zealand First in 1993 and has led it ever since, repeatedly holding the balance of power and serving in senior roles including Deputy Prime Minister and foreign minister.
Sources and Further Reading
- New Zealand First (Wikipedia)en.wikipedia.org
- Official party websitenzfirst.nz
- Sixth National Government of New Zealand (Wikipedia)en.wikipedia.org
Where do you stand?
Take the CoreOpinion New Zealand political test to see how your views compare with New Zealand First and the other parties.
Take the New Zealand Test
Social Policy
The party is socially conservative in emphasis and nationalist in outlook. Immigration is one of its central issues, where it calls for tighter controls, and it stresses national identity, traditional values, and the interests of what it presents as ordinary New Zealanders against distant elites.