New Zealand First is the third largest party in the New Zealand Parliament. The Party was formed in 1993 to represent those New Zealanders concerned about the social and economic direction of our country, and who were seeking pragmatic, common-sense representation in Parliament.
Following the 2017 General Election, the Party retained 9 seats in the House of Representatives and formed a Coalition Government with the New Zealand Labour Party. Party Leader, Rt Hon Winston Peters, became Deputy Prime Minister of New Zealand and the Party secured three other Cabinet positions and an Undersecretary role.
At the core of New Zealand First's policies are our "Fifteen Fundamental Principles", which emphasise accountable and transparent government, common-sense social and economic policy, and the placing of the interests of New Zealand, and New Zealanders, at the forefront of Government decision-making.
Three top priorities for young people from Ōtautahi
Jobs, education and wellness.
Three priorities to address inequity in education
Reduce poverty so children aren't arriving at school hungry and without basic school equipment. Increase education funding to provide extra support for those with learning difficulties, improve buildings/facilities and equipment in low decile schools, lower class sizes. Pay teachers more to attract people from across the societal spectrum
Three priorities to address inequity in healthcare
Extra funding for DHBs More collaboration with Iwi and NGO health care agencies Implement the recommendations outlined in the recent New Zealand Health and Disability System Review
Three priorities to address high youth suicide rates
Provide more counselling services in schools, additional training for teachers, additional funding for more NGO/Iwi/DHB collaborations
Three priorities to address mental health issues
Establish a Mental Health Commission. (NZ First policy) Implement the recommendations of the Mental Health Inquiry, He Ara Oranga Provide additional funding for more NGO/Iwi/DHB collaborations
Three priorities to address climate change
1 Billion trees More water storage Work more collaboratively farmers to minimise their emissions and local councils to address climate change and remediation initiatives
Three priorities to address racism in Aotearoa
More education about racism in schools Bring in hate speech legislation Address the cultural view that casual racism is harmless and OK: It's not
Three priorities to address child and youth poverty
Address the root cause - Low education, housing and employment
Three priorities to address and support youth employment
Further support (and expansion) for apprenticeships More technology (wood/metalwork, cooking, IT) courses and workforce preparation initiatives in schools NZ First's tertiary policy so students are burdened with so much debt and they work in NZ after graduating to repay their debt
Three priorities to support the pacific nations
Please refer to NZ First's Pacific Reset policy Open the borders so Pacific workers can return to fill the jobs Kiwi's can't fill.
What are three things your party will do to ensure that young people engaging with politicians will be safe?
Adhere to our NZ First Bullying and Harassment Policy and Guidelines.