News 13K views since yesterday

Peters leaves Laws's future for a post-election caucus discussion

In NZ Herald's interview, the New Zealand First leader calls the candidate's remarks careless but says he will not halt the campaign to resolve the issue.

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nzherald.co.nz Story of November 5, 2026Trari Newsroom

Why this story? One of nzherald.co.nz's most watched videos since yesterday, with 13,289 views.

‘Wishful thinking is not the way’: Does Winston Peters want Laws to resign? | Ryan Bridge TODAY

Things we can learn from the video

Press to jump

1:03Peters calls Laws's remarks careless and acknowledges anger among party members, particularly women.
1:31Asked about dropping Laws, Peters says the party list is finalised and there has been no meeting.
3:09Peters says any post-election action involves constitutional questions and a discussion with his caucus.
5:35Peters cites Clinton and Reagan as examples of presidents recovering from midterm losses.
6:30Peters declines to predict the Republicans' next leader, citing his role as Foreign Minister.

Winston Peters says women in New Zealand First are angry about Michael Laws's comments, but he is leaving questions about the candidate's future unresolved until the party can consider them properly.

Pressed by Ryan Bridge in NZ Herald's Ryan Bridge TODAY interview, Peters distinguishes his criticism of the remarks from what he says he can do during the campaign. Bridge opens with footage from The Platform of Laws making disparaging comments about an Opportunity Party candidate.

"The party's brassed off, the women in the party are very annoyed because they have done so much work..." Peters says.

Bridge asks whether Laws should be dropped from the party list. Peters says the list is finalised and the party has not had time to meet about the matter. When Bridge asks what could happen after the election if Laws enters Parliament, Peters describes a complex constitutional question that he will address with his caucus. He does not announce a decision on Laws's future.

The interview drew roughly 13,000 views since yesterday. Its closing political discussion turns to the US midterms, with Peters pointing to Bill Clinton and Ronald Reagan as presidents who recovered from midterm setbacks. Asked who might next lead the Republicans, he declines to speculate: "I'm the Foreign Minister and I don't do that."

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