'Not as attractive as it used to be' - Winston Peters on living in NZ today
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters expressed skepticism about the current two-party focus of the 2026 election campaign. He suggests that the political landscape will stabilize and that minor parties will remain essential to government formation.
Why it matters
Peters' comments reflect the complexities of New Zealand's MMP electoral system and the ongoing power struggle between major and minor parties.
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Analysis : Winston Peters is on a mission and says the idea that either Chris will be calling the shots once the votes are counted is a nonsense.
With just 26 days of the election campaign to go, the New Zealand First leader is by far the most experienced political leader, having first entered Parliament with the National Party in 1978 before breaking off and setting up his own party in 1993.
In the first MMP election held in 1996, New Zealand First won 17 seats and Peters took on his first stint as deputy prime minister and treasurer.
Heading into the November election, 30 years after the birth of MMP, Peters is convinced stability will return to the increasingly fragmented political landscape this year.
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