New Zealand First leader Winston Peters has launched a blistering attack on trade unions, describing them as “A prostitute for the Labour Party” and demanding they apologise to New Zealand First over what he says have been repeated politically motivated attacks against the party.
Peters made the comments as he intensified his election campaign, accusing sections of the union movement, including the Public Service Association (PSA), of abandoning political neutrality and acting as campaign organisations for Labour rather than representing the interests of all workers.
The outspoken remarks come as New Zealand First sharpens its focus on constitutional reform, Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the role of public institutions ahead of the 2026 General Election.
Peters has also renewed his criticism of the Human Rights Commission, arguing the independent Crown entity has moved beyond its statutory role by intervening in political and constitutional debates. His comments follow the Commission’s submission opposing the Government’s proposed overhaul of Treaty clauses across legislation, warning the reforms could weaken human rights protections and create constitutional uncertainty.
Speaking as New Zealand First rolls out its election platform, Peters defended what he described as the original intent of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, arguing the Treaty should be interpreted according to its original wording and historical context.
He says the Treaty was intended to establish a single sovereign nation under the Crown while protecting Māori rights contained within its three articles, rejecting what he describes as the expansion of Treaty “principles” through legislation, court decisions and public policy over recent decades.
Central to New Zealand First’s campaign is its opposition to co-governance arrangements and what the party describes as race-based public policy. Peters argues public institutions should serve all New Zealanders equally, regardless of ethnicity, and that democratic decision-making should remain based on equal citizenship rather than separate governance structures.
The party has consistently opposed separate public service delivery models, dedicated Māori governance arrangements and policies it says divide New Zealanders by race.
New Zealand First maintains the Government’s review of Treaty clauses is necessary to restore legal certainty and ensure legislation reflects the original Treaty rather than evolving legal interpretations.
The PSA has also become a regular target of Peters’ criticism. He argues parts of the public service and union movement have become politically active, rather than remaining focused on implementing the policies of democratically elected governments.
Supporters of New Zealand First’s position argue the party is defending equal citizenship, parliamentary sovereignty and democratic accountability by ensuring laws apply equally to all New Zealanders.
Critics, however, contend Peters’ approach overlooks decades of legal development recognising the partnership between Māori and the Crown under Te Tiriti and risks weakening established protections for Māori rights and participation in public decision-making.
As the campaign intensifies, debate over Te Tiriti, co-governance, public institutions and the future relationship between Māori and the Crown is expected to remain at the centre of New Zealand politics.
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