The Minister for Foreign Affairs

In New York for the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, our Foreign Affairs Minister is making waves. Participating in the Two-State Solution conference, Winston says we are approaching our position on the recognition of Palestine cautiously and deliberately, with our official position to be made in the coming days.

During a UN Leaders’ breakfast, Winston called out the elephant in the room; that without real accountability from the world’s four largest emitters (China, America, India and Russia), that the rest of the world is fighting a losing battle. 

Winston continues to signal New Zealand’s long-standing value around strong partnership with our Pacific neighbours, and ensuring that all countries have their say on international climate issues.

Migrant Visa Pathways: Agreeing to Disagree

New Zealand First has formally invoked the ‘Agree to Disagree’ clause in response to the Government’s proposal to convert work visa holders into new residents. 

We are deeply concerned that many who gain residency will use New Zealand as a stepping stone to Australia. That’s not a sustainable immigration policy.

We support extending current work visas by three years for those already here to address short-term demand — but stopping short of handing out residency indiscriminately.

In the long run, our vision is clear: a smart, demand-led immigration system that supports industry and Kiwi workers — not unchecked population growth with no plan for future generations. 

• ‘How is this an effective immigration policy?’: Peters slams new work visa pathways
• New pathways announced to make getting New Zealand residence easier for skilled migrants
• Winston Peters lambasts Govt's immigration changes

Foreign Investment: Protecting NZ, With a Pinch of Pragmatism

New Zealand First has always stood firm, that Kiwi homes and land must not be swallowed up by overseas buyers. That’s why we backed the foreign buyers ban in 2018, and why it still stands today.

The Government’s recent tweak allows certain investor visa holders to buy or build one home worth over $5 million. We supported this narrow exemption as a way to attract genuine investors — the kind who bring jobs, innovation and capital — while keeping the wider housing market protected for New Zealanders.

Our bottom line hasn’t changed: foreign money is welcome when it grows businesses, creates jobs and boosts exports — not when it prices Kiwis out of their own country.

• "Different emphasis": Peters denies foreign investors housing deal's a loosening of ban
• Winston Peters defends foreign investor compromise: 'Very, very, very minor'

Back to Black (Coal)

When the lights are at risk of going out, Shane Jones is keeping them on with a deal to bring back locally mined coal to Huntly.

Genesis Energy has signed with BT Mining for 240,000 tonnes over two years—securing supply, reducing reliance on imports, and giving the Waikato economy a serious boost.

Shane calls it a “resource renaissance”: local jobs, stable energy, and a nod to Huntly’s proud mining history. Hear from Shane directly in the following interviews:

• NZ coal back in the mix for Huntly power station
• Shane Jones On Why New Zealand Should Consider Nuclear Energy
• Resource Minister Shane Jones comments on Taranaki seabed mining project

And it’s official: Shane Jones has been confirmed as the Deputy Leader of New Zealand First. Expect the same energy, grit, and the occasional colourful phrase as he helps drive our agenda forward.

Shane has shown himself to be a relentless hard worker, loyal, demonstrate unquestionable passion for our country, and a megaphone for New Zealand First’s views and principles. – Winston Peters

Member’s Bills: Common Sense in Action

• Protecting Kiwi Men’s Health

New Zealand First has introduced the Health (Prostate Cancer Screening Services) Amendment Bill, piloting free, structured prostate cancer screening in two regions (North & South).

With over 4,000 men diagnosed each year and more than 700 lost, this is about catching it early, saving lives, and saving the health system millions.

“This is evidence-based policy that will protect Kiwi men and their families.” – Winston Peters

Shane Jones and New Zealand First hosted a cross-party event at Parliament to raise awareness and funds for the Prostate Cancer Foundation—because sometimes politics is about working together for the bigger picture.

• The Protection of Physical ID Bill

Digital IDs are a hot topic, but New Zealand First is drawing a line: Kiwis must always have the right to use physical ID.

Our Protection of Physical Identification Bill guarantees that access to essential services—whether banking, travel, or government—can never be restricted to digital-only. This is about choice, privacy, and ensuring no New Zealander is left behind.

Because freedom means options, not digital mandates.

Wool Power: Flying the Flag in China

Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson spent a week in China, flying the flag for New Zealand’s premium strong wool at the world’s biggest wool market conference.

China buys nearly $176m of our wool each year, and this trip helped deepen industry links, and push the innovation and sustainability attributes of New Zealand wool.

From woollen carpets in state homes to reopening the Napier processing plant, this Government is backing wool’s comeback, and Mark is our resident wool champion.

Hear from him directly in his recent interview on Newstalk ZB, or go to his facebook page for snippets of the trip.

Convention Wrap-Up

Our 32nd Convention at the start of the month was a huge success. It was full of energy, debate, and the sharp edge that defines New Zealand First. If you missed the updates, check our socials for highlights, photos, and key speeches.

Hear from Winston about convention in the following interviews, or read an update from Jenny Marcroft:

• Winston Peters on the annual NZ First conference
• Winston Peters On NZ First’s Conference, Benjamin Doyle’s Resignation & Media Bias
• Viewpoint – Keeping a finger on the pulse

Our team of MPs are now back out and about in the community during the house recess, and while schools are on holiday. Stay up to date with where they are on their social media pages.