Our Story

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New Zealand First was formed in 1993 to represent those New Zealanders concerned about the social and economic direction of our country, and who were seeking pragmatic, commonsense representation in Parliament.

In 1990 the National Party was elected with the largest government majority in New Zealand history. Attaining two thirds of the seats in parliament, it was seen as a rejection of the neoliberal policies of the fourth Labour government. However, the fourth National government would continue with policies along the same lines.

As a Cabinet Minister, Rt Hon Winston Peters spoke out against the economic policies continued by Minister of Finance Ruth Richardson. Mr Peters was soon dropped from Cabinet but he continued to question the neoliberal policy agenda and resigned from the National Party leading up to the 1993 general election.

A by-election in Tauranga was triggered and Mr Peters regained the seat as an independent by the highest margin (91%) of any election, after having held the seat since 1981.

A meeting was then held at the Auckland town hall about future steps, and on July 18 1993, New Zealand First was formed at Alexandra Park. 

The Party was founded on "Fifteen Fundamental Principles" that emphasise accountable and transparent government, commonsense social and economic policy, and placing the interests of our country and its people at the forefront of Government decision making. 

Today, New Zealand First is a party that focusses on pragmatism and common sense in the wake of extreme political ideological and bureaucratic capture of successive governments. 

As a grassroots movement, New Zealand First is committed to representing forgotten New Zealanders and advocating for support by connecting with the various communities across the country.

Bring Back Balance

After years of sacrifice through Covid, New Zealand is not represented by a political party that puts their interests at the heart of decision making. Extreme policies from both the left and right dominate public debate and detrimentally influence government policy direction.

What's missing is the voice of reason to put the needs of our country and our people first again. Our mantra is for unity, not division. For cohesion, not separatism.

New Zealand First is the only party that brings balance and stability to government.

Bring Back Experience

Experience is vital in navigating the complex challenges that are upon us. Current government ministers have failed to deliver a coherent plan that puts New Zealand first again.

Our track record of pragmatism and policy delivery is needed to support and rebuild a prosperous nation facing further uncertainty.

Our team understands that the government is there, regardless of gender or race, to provide its people with security, freedom, and equality.

With your support, we will ensure that New Zealand becomes a world leader again.

Bring Back Commonsense

The introduction of legislation such as the undemocratic Three Waters law, and the focus of racially preferential policy is a concern to all New Zealanders.

Our country must instead address skyrocketing housing and living costs, infrastructure and employment woes, and the alarming law and order issues we are experiencing daily in our communities.

New Zealand First delivers practical and tangible policies that benefit all of New Zealand.

Bring back New Zealand First

Now more than ever, New Zealand First is needed to ensure these issues are addressed with balance, experience, and commonsense.

We will ensure we focus on the real issues that matter to you.

We believe in accountable and transparent government, and commonsense social and economic policy. We will continue to put the interests of New Zealand, and New Zealanders, at the forefront of government decision making.

In order to make that a reality we need like-minded Kiwis to take the first step and support the party committed to putting New Zealand First.

Get involved and take action with us today.

Electoral History

1993:  New Zealand First contests its first election and wins 8.4% of the vote, as well as two electorate seats. Winston Peters was elected the Member of Parliament for the Tauranga Electorate and Tau Henare was elected the Member of Parliament for the Northern Maori Electorate.

1996: This was New Zealand’s first MMP election and it saw New Zealand First win 13% of the vote. This, coupled with wins in Tauranga and all five Maori Electorates, saw New Zealand First secure 17 seats. A coalition government was formed with Jim Bolger and the National Party, but this coalition ultimately broke up following a leadership coup by Jenny Shipley. 

1999: The party was returned to Parliament after the Party received 4% and Rt Hon Winston Peters held the Tauranga seat by 63 votes.

2002: New Zealand First received 10.38% of the vote, bringing in 13 Members of Parliament.

2005: New Zealand First received 5.72% of the vote, lost the Tauranga seat and gained seven Members of Parliament. Ultimately New Zealand First entered into a Confidence and Supply agreement with the Labour party. The New Zealand First-Labour Confidence and Supply Agreement provided for implementation of the SuperGold card.

2008: New Zealand First dropped to 4.08% of the vote and with no electorate seat victories the party was out of Parliament.

2011: New Zealand First reentered Parliament with 6.6% of the vote after the Tea tape scandal and polling at 2% leading into the election. This saw New Zealand First in Parliament with eight Members of Parliament, and the sacking of Brendan Horan in 2012.

2014: New Zealand First secured 8.66% of the vote and returned to Parliament in opposition with 11 Members of Parliament.

2015: Rt Hon Winston Peters wins the Northland By-election after a 27 day campaign. This expanded the New Zealand First caucus to 12 members and the introduction of Ria Bond from the party list.

2017: New Zealand First secured 7.2% of the vote and was returned to Parliament with nine Members of Parliament. The Party formed a coalition with the Labour Party which was detailed in the 2017 New Zealand First-Labour Coalition agreement. 

2020: There were many challenges with the election due to COVID-19, and the Labour Party secured an historic majority. New Zealand First was out of Parliament after receiving 2.6% of the vote.