NZ First preaches rebuilding hope, opportunity at annual conference
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters is focusing his party's annual conference on economic rebuilding and cost-of-living solutions. The party is currently seeing a rise in polling, aiming for a second consecutive term in government.
Why it matters
Signals shifting political dynamics in New Zealand as the party attempts to maintain its influence in the upcoming election.
<p>New Zealand First leader Winston Peters says this weekend's conference will be about rebuilding hope and opportunity, as the party plots an unprecedented second consecutive term in Government.</p> <p><b>By Tuwhenuaroa Natanahira of </b><a href="https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/736748/nz-first-preaches-rebuilding-hope-opportunity-at-annual-conference-election-launch" target="_blank"><b>RNZ</b></a></p> <p>Party members and candidates are gathering in Auckland for the conference and election campaign launch, as polling shows the party's popularity continues to rise.</p> <p>The 11.5% New Zealand First <a href="https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/07/14/hipkins-anticipates-close-election-as-national-takes-another-poll-hit/" target="_blank">received in the latest RNZ-Reid Research poll</a> is its third consecutive rise in this poll and its best result in nearly a decade.</p> <p>It puts the party on track to remain in Parliament after serving a term in government, something it was unable to do in 2008 and 2020.
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