The Labour Party has condemned comments made by New Zealand First leader Winston Peters after he described trade unions as “prostitutes for the Labour Party” during an interview on Radio Waatea, saying the remarks insult thousands of working New Zealanders.
Responding to questions from Waatea News, Labour defended the role of unions, arguing they exist to represent workers rather than political parties.
In a statement provided to Radio Waatea, Labour said:
“Winston Peters is resorting to what he does best – throwing insults at anyone he disagrees with. New Zealand’s union members are nurses, teachers, firefighters, public servants, builders, cleaners, and thousands of other working New Zealanders. They deserve respect, not abuse. The unions’ job is to stand up for them, regardless of which party is in government.”
The response follows Peters’ appearance on Radio Waatea, where he accused unions of acting as political arms of the Labour Party and said they owed New Zealand First an apology for what he described as repeated politically motivated attacks against his party.
Peters also singled out the Public Service Association (PSA), claiming parts of the union movement had abandoned political neutrality in favour of partisan campaigning.
The exchange marks the latest escalation in an increasingly combative election campaign, with constitutional reform, the role of public institutions and industrial relations emerging as key battlegrounds ahead of the November General Election.
Trade unions have historically played a significant role in advocating for workers’ rights, collective bargaining, workplace safety and fair pay across a wide range of industries. While unions often engage with governments and political parties on employment policy, they maintain they represent the interests of their members regardless of which party forms government.
Labour’s response seeks to shift the focus from political rhetoric to the role unions play in representing frontline workers across New Zealand, including those employed in health, education, emergency services, construction and the public sector.
New Zealand First has continued to argue that some unions have become increasingly political in their advocacy, particularly on issues beyond traditional employment matters, while Labour maintains unions are fulfilling their responsibility to advocate on behalf of working people.
The exchange comes as parties sharpen their messaging in the lead-up to the election, with debates over workers’ rights, public sector reform, constitutional issues and the future direction of government expected to feature prominently throughout the campaign.
As campaigning intensifies, the clash between Labour and New Zealand First highlights the increasingly polarised political environment, where industrial relations and the role of organised labour are once again becoming central issues in the contest for voters.
#Labour #NZFirst #WinstonPeters #TradeUnions #WorkersRights #PSA #Election2026 #NZPolitics #PublicSector #IndustrialRelations #WorkingPeople #GeneralElection #RadioWaatea #WaateaNews #Aotearoa #Politics #UnionMembers
