Peters calls 2026 campaign the worst he has seen in 18 bids

Winston Peters described the current New Zealand election campaign as the most disappointing he has encountered during his time in politics. The New Zealand First leader made the comments on Morning Report, noting that he has contested 18 general elections. He characterized the current race as a circus driven by unscientific methods and low engagement from other parties.

Peters pointed to specific examples of what he considers performative campaigning. He criticized the use of informal ice cream polls where party leaders participate in what he called an unprofessional process. He also mocked the trend of politicians petting dogs and flipping hamburgers while discussing the cost of living crisis. According to Peters, these activities distract from substantive policy discussions.

The leader contrasted his party's efforts with those of his rivals. He stated that New Zealand First has spoken to tens of thousands of people and filled venues. In comparison, he claimed other parties cannot fill a hall. Peters specifically referenced ACT leader Paul Henry, who said he spoke to 7,000 people on a national tour. Peters dismissed this figure, arguing that his party's larger turnout represents the real poll.

Peters listed four main priorities for his campaign: affordable housing, healthcare access, education, and wage growth. He argued that education is the primary route for improving the national economy. To achieve higher wages, he proposed lowering the corporate tax rate, boosting productivity, and renationalizing the Bank of New Zealand. He described these steps as necessary to secure first-world wages for workers.

When asked about his record in government, Peters addressed the rise in public debt. He acknowledged that debt levels have increased but argued that this rise is a necessary step before reversing the trend. He said he warned the National and ACT parties that the economy was weaker than they believed. He claimed he advised them to delay tax cuts, but they refused his suggestion.

The leader expressed skepticism about recent opinion polls, stating that they disagree with one another. He believes the discrepancy indicates a flaw in the polling methods. Peters maintained that the only reliable measure of public sentiment will be the result on election day. He urged voters to ignore the inconsistent data from private polling firms.