New Zealand First
|
New Zealand First Party
Aotearoa Tuatahi |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Leader | Winston Peters |
| Deputy Leader | Ron Mark |
| President | Brent Catchpole |
| Secretary | Anne Martin |
| Founded | 18 July 1993 |
| Ideology |
Conservatism Nationalism Populism |
| Political position | Centre |
| International affiliation | Not affiliated |
| Colours | Black |
| MPs in the House of Representatives |
12 / 121
|
| Website | |
| www.nzfirst.org.nz | |
New Zealand First is a conservative and populistpolitical party in New Zealand. It was founded in July 1993, following the 19 March 1993 resignation of its leader and founder, Winston Peters, from the then-governing National Party. It has formed governments with both major parties in New Zealand: first with the National Party from 1996 to 1998, and then with the Labour Party from 2005 to 2008.
Commentators dispute the appropriate classification of the party on the traditional political spectrum, but many New Zealanders associate it with advocacy of senior citizens' benefits, and opposition to high rates of immigration.
The party held seats in the House of Representatives of New Zealand from its formation in 1993 until 2008, when it failed to gain enough party votes to retain representation. However, in the 2011 election, New Zealand First gained 6.59% of the total party vote, entitling it to eight Members of Parliament (MPs).
The party sits on the cross-benches and during the 50th New Zealand Parliament tended to vote with the Opposition against Government policies.
At the core of New Zealand First's policies are its "Fifteen Fundamental Principles"; the first being "To put New Zealand and New Zealanders First". They largely echo the policies that Peters has advocated throughout his career. The party generally focuses on the rule of law for all and does not prescribe to a departure from this principle. It therefore does not focus on minority issues to large extent as it values improving the lot of all New Zealanders regardless of background.
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