On today's chart 6,984 views since yesterday

Peters rules out sacking Laws over comments about women

RNZ's press conference clip begins with accessibility policy before reporters press the NZ First leader on what consequences his candidate will face.

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RNZ Story of November 4, 2026Trari Newsroom

Why this story? One of the most watched videos since yesterday, with 6,984 views.

Winston Peters says NZ First candidate Michael Laws' comments about women 'not acceptable' | RNZ

Things we can learn from the video

Press to jump

0:00Peters proposes legally recognised accessibility standards, arguing that earlier legislation did not go far enough.
1:03Reporters ask about oversight and whether public and private buildings would need to comply.
1:46Peters argues that better accessibility would enable disabled people to contribute more fully to the economy.
4:35Questions turn to Michael Laws's comments about women and his responsibilities as a candidate.
5:13Peters calls the language unacceptable and says Laws will be told off, but rejects sacking him.

Winston Peters says Michael Laws will be told off, but will not be sacked as a New Zealand First candidate over his comments about women.

"That language is not acceptable, and he'll be told so," Peters tells reporters in RNZ's press conference recording, which drew about 7,000 views in its first eight hours today.

The questions concern a Platform clip published in October. RNZ reports that Laws mocked Opportunity candidate Kayla Kingdon-Bebb's demeanour and made a sexual jibe about her, before turning his attention to party leader Qiulae Wong.

Peters initially challenges reporters to distinguish between Laws speaking as a broadcaster and speaking as a political candidate. He then repeatedly rejects the language while resisting demands for stronger action. His position is that a reprimand, rather than removal, is the consequence.

RNZ also published Wong's response today. She called on Peters to act and said Laws had no place in the next Parliament, setting out a clear disagreement over whether being told off is enough.

The subject promised by the video's title arrives more than halfway through. Before that, Peters announces a proposal for legally recognised accessibility standards and takes questions about oversight and whether public and private buildings would have to comply. He argues that improving access would help disabled people participate more fully in the economy. The recording therefore preserves both the policy announcement Peters came to make and the candidate questions reporters wanted answered.

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