Winston Peters facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Winston Peters
MP
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Peters in 2024
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| 13th Deputy Prime Minister of New Zealand | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| In office 27 November 2023 – 31 May 2025 |
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| Prime Minister | Christopher Luxon | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Governor-General | Cindy Kiro | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Preceded by | Carmel Sepuloni | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Succeeded by | David Seymour | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| In office 26 October 2017 – 6 November 2020 |
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| Prime Minister | Jacinda Ardern | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Governor-General | Patsy Reddy | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Preceded by | Paula Bennett | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Succeeded by | Grant Robertson | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| In office 16 December 1996 – 14 August 1998 |
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| Prime Minister | Jim Bolger Jenny Shipley |
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| Governor-General | Michael Hardie Boys | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Preceded by | Don McKinnon | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Succeeded by | Wyatt Creech | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 25th Minister of Foreign Affairs | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assumed office 27 November 2023 |
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| Prime Minister | Christopher Luxon | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Preceded by | Grant Robertson | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| In office 26 October 2017 – 6 November 2020 |
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| Prime Minister | Jacinda Ardern | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Preceded by | Gerry Brownlee | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Succeeded by | Nanaia Mahuta | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| In office 19 October 2005 – 29 August 2008 |
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| Prime Minister | Helen Clark | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Preceded by | Phil Goff | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Succeeded by | Helen Clark (Acting) Murray McCully |
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| 8th Minister for Racing | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assumed office 27 November 2023 |
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| Prime Minister | Christopher Luxon | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Preceded by | Kieran McAnulty | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| In office 26 October 2017 – 6 November 2020 |
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| Prime Minister | Jacinda Ardern | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Preceded by | David Bennett | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Succeeded by | Grant Robertson | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| In office 19 October 2005 – 19 November 2008 |
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| Prime Minister | Helen Clark | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Preceded by | Damien O'Connor | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Succeeded by | John Carter | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 29th Minister for Rail | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assumed office 11 December 2024 |
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| Prime Minister | Christopher Luxon | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Preceded by | Vacant | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Leader of New Zealand First | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assumed office 18 July 1993 |
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| Deputy | Tau Henare Peter Brown Tracey Martin Ron Mark Fletcher Tabuteau Shane Jones |
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| Preceded by | Office established | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Personal details | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Born |
Wynston Raymond Peters
11 April 1945 Whangārei, New Zealand |
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| Political party |
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| Children | 2, including Bree | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Relatives | Jim Peters (brother) Ian Peters (brother) Lynette Stewart (sister) |
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| Alma mater | University of Auckland (BA/LLB) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Signature |  |
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Winston Raymond Peters PC (born 11 April 1945) is a New Zealand politician who is currently the leader of New Zealand First, a political party he started in 1993. He has been a Member of Parliament (MP) for many years, serving from 1979 to 1981, 1984 to 2008, 2011 to 2020, and again since 2023.
Peters holds several important government roles. He is the 25th Minister of Foreign Affairs, which means he represents New Zealand to other countries. He is also the 8th Minister for Racing and the 29th Minister for Rail. From November 2023 to May 2025, he served as the 13th Deputy Prime Minister of New Zealand, a role he has held three times before (1996–1998 and 2017–2020). The Deputy Prime Minister helps the Prime Minister lead the country.
Peters first became an MP in 1979 for the National Party. He became well-known in the 1980s as a strong speaker on Māori and conservative issues. He gained national attention in 1986 for revealing a financial issue known as the Māori loan affair. He became a government minister in 1990, serving as Minister of Māori Affairs. However, he was later removed from this role in 1991 because he disagreed with some of his own government's economic policies.
In 1993, Peters left the National Party and started his own party, New Zealand First. This party was popular with people who were unhappy with the government's economic changes. After the 1996 election, New Zealand First held the "balance of power," meaning they could choose which major party would form the government. Peters decided to form a coalition (a partnership) with the National Party, and he became Deputy Prime Minister and Treasurer. This partnership ended in 1998.
New Zealand First later joined a government with the Labour Party from 2005 to 2008, where Peters served as Minister of Foreign Affairs. After a period out of Parliament, New Zealand First made a comeback in the 2011 election. In 2017, Peters again helped form a government with the Labour Party, and he was appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. He even served as acting prime minister for a short time in 2018 while Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was on maternity leave.
After losing his seat in the 2020 election, Peters made another comeback in 2023. He helped form the current government with the National Party and is once again serving as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Contents
Early life and education
Growing up in Northland
Winston Raymond Peters was born on 11 April 1945 in Whangārei, New Zealand. His father was Māori, mainly from the Ngāti Wai tribe (iwi), and also from Ngāti Hine and Ngāpuhi. His mother had Clan MacInnes Scottish family roots. Winston has two brothers, Ian and Jim, who have also been Members of Parliament.
He grew up on a farm in Whananaki. As a child, English was spoken at home, and his primary school did not allow children to speak Māori.
Education and early career
After attending Whangarei Boys' High School and Dargaville High School, Peters went to the Auckland Teachers' Training College. In 1966, he taught at Te Atatū Intermediate School in Auckland. The next year, he moved to Australia and worked as a blast-furnace worker and later as a tunneler in the Snowy Mountains.
In 1970, Peters returned to New Zealand and studied history, politics, and law at the University of Auckland. During his university years, he joined the youth group of the New Zealand National Party. He also played rugby and was captain of the Auckland Māori Rugby team. In 1973, he earned degrees in history and law. He then worked as a lawyer from 1974 to 1978.
Political journey
| New Zealand Parliament | ||||
| Years | Term | Electorate | List | Party |
| 1979–1981 | 39th | Hunua | National | |
| 1984–1987 | 41st | Tauranga | National | |
| 1987–1990 | 42nd | Tauranga | National | |
| 1990–1993 | 43rd | Tauranga | National | |
| 1993 | 43rd | Tauranga | Independent | |
| 1993 | 43rd | Tauranga | NZ First | |
| 1993–1996 | 44th | Tauranga | NZ First | |
| 1996–1999 | 45th | Tauranga | 1 | NZ First |
| 1999–2002 | 46th | Tauranga | 1 | NZ First |
| 2002–2005 | 47th | Tauranga | 1 | NZ First |
| 2005–2008 | 48th | List | 1 | NZ First |
| 2011–2014 | 50th | List | 1 | NZ First |
| 2014–2015 | 51st | List | 1 | NZ First |
| 2015–2017 | 51st | Northland | NZ First | |
| 2017–2020 | 52nd | List | 1 | NZ First |
| 2023–present | 54th | List | 1 | NZ First
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Entering Parliament
Peters first tried to become an MP in 1975 but was not successful. He became an MP in 1979 for the National Party, winning his seat after a court decision. He lost this seat in 1981 but won another seat, Tauranga, in 1984.
In Parliament, Peters became a spokesperson for Māori Affairs and Transport for the National Party. In 1986, he brought attention to the Māori loan affair, a financial issue involving the Māori Affairs Department. After the National Party won the 1990 election, Peters became the Minister of Māori Affairs.
Leaving the National Party
Peters often disagreed with the National Party's leaders, especially about their economic policies. This made him popular with the public but less liked within his own party. In October 1991, the Prime Minister, Jim Bolger, removed Peters from his Cabinet role.
Peters continued to speak out against the party. In 1993, he decided to leave the National Party and Parliament. He then ran in a special election for his Tauranga seat as an independent candidate and won easily.
Founding New Zealand First
Shortly before the 1993 general election, Peters started his own political party, New Zealand First, in July 1993. He kept his Tauranga seat in that election. New Zealand First quickly gained support, especially from Māori voters and people who were unhappy with the government's economic changes. In 1994, Peters started the Winebox Inquiry, an investigation into companies using the Cook Islands as a tax haven.
The "Kingmaker" role (1996-1999)
In the 1996 New Zealand general election, New Zealand used a new voting system called mixed-member proportional (MMP). This system helped New Zealand First win many more seats, giving them 17 MPs. More importantly, they held the "balance of power," meaning neither the National Party nor the Labour Party had enough votes to form a government on their own. Peters, as leader of New Zealand First, became known as the "kingmaker" because he could choose which party would lead the country.
After weeks of discussions, Peters decided to form a coalition government with the National Party. As part of this deal, Peters became Deputy Prime Minister and also held a new role called Treasurer. However, tensions grew between Peters and the new Prime Minister, Jenny Shipley. In 1998, Shipley removed Peters from his Cabinet roles, and New Zealand First left the government to become an opposition party.
Back in opposition (1999–2017)
Challenges and comebacks
In the 1999 New Zealand general election, New Zealand First lost many of its seats. Peters narrowly kept his own seat in Tauranga, which allowed the party to stay in Parliament with five MPs. They remained in opposition to the Labour Government.
In the 2002 New Zealand general election, Peters and New Zealand First gained more support by focusing on issues like reducing immigration, increasing punishments for crime, and addressing issues around Treaty of Waitangi settlements. The party won 13 seats.
In the 2005 New Zealand general election, Peters lost his Tauranga seat, but New Zealand First still won seven seats, allowing him to remain an MP through the party list. After this election, Peters joined the Labour-led government, serving as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister for Racing. This was unusual because he was not part of the main Cabinet, allowing him to sometimes criticise the government on other issues.
SuperGold Card
One of Peters's key achievements during this time was the creation of the SuperGold Card. This card, launched in 2007, provides benefits for senior citizens, including free off-peak public transport and discounts at various businesses.
Out of Parliament (2008-2011)
In the 2008 New Zealand general election, New Zealand First did not win enough votes (falling below the 5% threshold) or any electorate seats, so Peters and his party were not in Parliament. Many thought this was the end of his political career.
However, Peters remained the leader of New Zealand First and hinted at a comeback. He continued to speak out on important issues, and the party's annual meeting in 2011 attracted a lot of media attention.
Return to Parliament (2011-2017)
In the 2011 New Zealand general election, New Zealand First made a strong comeback, winning 6.8% of the party vote and securing eight seats in Parliament. Peters returned as an MP and spent two terms in opposition.
During the 2014 New Zealand general election, New Zealand First increased its representation further, winning 11 seats. In 2015, Peters won a special election in the Northland electorate, a seat that had been held by the National Party for many years. This increased New Zealand First's total MPs to 12.
2017 election campaign
Leading up to the 2017 New Zealand general election, Peters supported the families of the Pike River Mine disaster victims in their campaign to re-enter the mine. He also proposed holding a double referendum on whether to keep the Māori seats and reduce the number of MPs in Parliament. Other policies included reducing immigration and nationalising banks.
In the 2017 election, Peters lost his Northland seat, but New Zealand First still won 7.2% of the party vote, giving them nine seats. Peters remained an MP through the party list.
Sixth Labour Government (2017–2020)
Forming a coalition
After the 2017 election, neither the National nor Labour parties had enough support to govern alone. Peters again held the balance of power. On 19 October 2017, he announced that New Zealand First would form a coalition government with the Labour Party, led by Jacinda Ardern.
As part of the agreement, Peters became Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister for State Owned Enterprises, and Minister for Racing. From June to August 2018, Peters served as Acting Prime Minister while Jacinda Ardern was on maternity leave, a significant moment in modern politics.
Foreign affairs as Minister
As Minister of Foreign Affairs, Peters worked on strengthening New Zealand's relationships with other countries. He supported closer economic ties with the UK, Australia, Canada, and other Commonwealth countries. He also proposed a free-trade agreement between New Zealand and the United States.
In May 2020, Peters publicly supported Taiwan rejoining the World Health Organization, which was welcomed by Taiwan but led to a reminder from China about the One China Policy. Peters defended his stance. In July 2020, New Zealand suspended its extradition treaty with Hong Kong in response to a new security law there, which Peters said undermined Hong Kong's legal principles.
2020 general election
In the 2020 New Zealand general election held on 17 October, New Zealand First's share of the vote dropped to 2.6%, which was below the five percent threshold needed to enter Parliament. As a result, Peters and his fellow New Zealand First MPs lost their seats. Peters continued in a temporary government role until November 2020.
Out of Parliament (2020–2023)
After the 2020 election, Peters announced in June 2021 that he would continue to lead New Zealand First for the 2023 New Zealand general election. He made several public appearances, speaking out on various issues, including the use of the Māori language in official reports and what he called "wokeness" in New Zealand society.
In February 2022, Peters supported the Convoy 2022 New Zealand protest outside Parliament, which called for an end to vaccine mandates. He visited the protest camp and urged the government to speak with the protesters.
2023 general election campaign
Leading up to the 2023 New Zealand general election, Peters announced several key policies for New Zealand First. These included:
- Removing Māori names from government departments and bringing back English names.
- Combating what he called "racist separatism."
- Fighting Australian-owned banks and supermarket monopolies.
- Investing in health, social services, and elderly care.
- Adopting "tough on crime" policies, including building a "gang prison" and designating gangs as terrorist organisations.
- Relocating the Ports of Auckland and the Royal New Zealand Navy's Devonport base to Northport.
- Restricting transgender people's access to bathrooms and their participation in female sporting events.
- Designating English as an official language of New Zealand.
- Withdrawing New Zealand from the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People.
On 14 October 2023, New Zealand First won 6.46% of the vote in the preliminary results of the general election, marking a return for Peters and his party to Parliament. The final results confirmed they won 6.08% of the popular vote and eight seats. Peters was re-elected to Parliament on the party list.
Sixth National Government (2023–present)
Forming the new government
After the 2023 election, the National Party needed support from both New Zealand First and the ACT Party to form a government. Peters played a key role in the negotiations. On 23 November, the three parties finalised their coalition agreement.
On 24 November, the leaders signed the agreement, which stated that Peters and David Seymour (ACT leader) would share the position of Deputy Prime Minister. Peters would hold the role for the first half of the parliamentary term, and Seymour for the second half. Peters also became the Minister of Foreign Affairs in the new government. He served as Acting Prime Minister on several occasions when Prime Minister Christopher Luxon was away.
Foreign affairs as Minister
As Foreign Minister, Peters quickly began engaging with other countries. In December 2023, he visited Fiji to strengthen relations. In January 2024, he expressed New Zealand's support for airstrikes against Houthi forces in Yemen to protect international shipping.
In February 2024, Peters announced a NZ$25.9 million aid package for Ukraine, including funds for weapons, humanitarian assistance, and reconstruction. He also undertook a tour of India, Indonesia, and Singapore to strengthen New Zealand's ties in South and Southeast Asia.
Peters hosted Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Wellington in March 2024, discussing trade and cooperation while also raising concerns about human rights and regional tensions. He then embarked on a global tour, visiting parts of Africa, Europe, and America, where he met with various foreign leaders and discussed humanitarian aid for Gaza. He also indicated a desire for closer partnership between New Zealand and the United States.
In May 2024, Peters led a delegation to five Pacific countries to strengthen bilateral relations and discuss issues like climate change. He also announced that New Zealand would resume funding to UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency).
Domestic politics
In early 2024, Peters attended the annual hui (meeting) at the Rātana Church and the Waitangi Day gathering, where he gave speeches that sometimes led to strong reactions from the audience.
In March 2024, Peters delivered a speech where he criticised the previous Labour Government's co-governance policies. He also criticised the mainstream media. These comments sparked debate and criticism from other political figures.
In June 2024, Peters announced that the government would make it easier to build "granny flats" (small dwellings) without needing complex permits. He also used the "agree to disagree" provision in the coalition agreement regarding the Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19 Lessons Learned, expressing his views on the inquiry's scope.
On 31 May 2025, David Seymour succeeded Peters as Deputy Prime Minister, as planned in the coalition agreement. Peters stated that his role as Deputy Prime Minister was to "offer experience" to new ministers. He has expressed interest in focusing on New Zealand First's campaign for the 2026 general election.
Minister for Racing
On 10 December 2024, Peters announced that the New Zealand Government would ban greyhound racing by July 2026, with urgent laws to prevent harm to greyhounds during this change.
Minister for Rail
On 11 December 2024, Peters was appointed as the Minister for Rail. He has been working on finding a builder for two new, smaller rail-enabled ferries to replace the current Interislander vessels, aiming for them to be ready by 2029. He also announced significant funding for upgrading New Zealand's freight and passenger rail networks.
Views and policies
Political style
Peters is often described as a nationalist and a populist. He believes in direct democracy, where citizens have more say through "binding citizen initiated referenda." He often uses strong language to criticise what he sees as "intellectually arrogant elite" in government. He is widely known simply as Winston due to his long presence in New Zealand politics.
Economic and welfare
Peters supports cutting taxes. He has been critical of some free market policies from the 1980s and 1990s, opposing the selling off of government-owned businesses and deregulation. He supports compulsory superannuation schemes for all New Zealanders and has strong support from older citizens.
Immigration
Peters believes in lower levels of immigration to protect New Zealand's identity and values. He has sometimes expressed concerns about the rate of Asian immigration, stating in 2004 that New Zealand was "being dragged into the status of an Asian colony." He has also said that new immigrants should "salute our flag, respect our laws, honour our institutions."
Foreign affairs
Peters is a strong supporter of Brexit, the United Kingdom's decision to leave the European Union. He has praised the idea and expressed hope that Britain would return to a closer relationship with the Commonwealth. He is friends with Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.
Māori issues
Peters has a long history of involvement in Māori issues. During the 2017 election, he called for the abolition of Māori seats, but he dropped this policy after forming a government with Labour.
After the 2020 election, Peters objected to the Labour Government's promotion of the Māori language and the expansion of Māori wards and constituencies in local councils. In the 2023 election, he campaigned on removing Māori names from government departments, opposing what he called "separatism," and withdrawing New Zealand from the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People. He also opposed co-governance and renaming New Zealand Aotearoa.
Media relations
Peters has a challenging relationship with the New Zealand media. He has accused some media outlets of being biased and has had confrontational interviews with journalists. He has stated that he is "at war" with the press gallery and mainstream media, arguing that they lack independence.
Honours and awards
On 21 May 1998, Peters was appointed to the Privy Council of the United Kingdom, which gave him the title "The Right Honourable".
In 2007, he received the chiefly Samoan title Vaovasamanaia, which means "beautiful, handsome, awesome, delighted and joyful."
Personal life
Winston Peters has two children, a son named Joel Peters and a daughter named Bree Peters, who is an actress. His current partner is Jan Trotman.
See also
In Spanish: Winston Peters para niños
- Populism in New Zealand
- Contents of the United States diplomatic cables leak (New Zealand)
