Winston Peters faces political challenges amid polling drop

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters faces a political crossroads following a decline in recent polling and controversy regarding his remarks toward Green MP Lawrence Xu-Nan. A Verian poll indicated that New Zealand First's support dropped to 8 percent, equal to the rising minor party Opportunity, down from a previous high of 11.5 percent in July.

The decline follows a parliamentary debate where Peters directed comments toward Xu-Nan, telling him to “go back to your own country” and stating “that’s where they lie like a flatfish.” These remarks drew protests from the Chinese Embassy and the Chinese-Kiwi community.

Amidst these challenges, New Zealand First continues to advocate for the Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) electoral system, which Peters helped bring to the mainstream via the 1986 Royal Commission on Electoral Reform. The party maintains its stance on direct democracy and has called for a referendum on Māori seats, while criticizing National Party leader Christopher Luxon's approach to coalition-building.