Former New Zealand MP Michael Laws To Join NZ First Party

Former New Zealand Member of Parliament and broadcaster Michael Laws has announced his candidacy for the New Zealand First party, according to a statement released by the party on Thursday. Laws, who previously represented the Waiariki electorate from 2005 to 2017, will contest a seat in the upcoming general election, marking his return to political life after a decade-long hiatus.

A spokesperson for New Zealand First confirmed Laws’ decision, stating he would be part of the party’s list of candidates for the 2023 election. The party, led by former Prime Minister Winston Peters, has positioned itself as a centrist force advocating for economic sovereignty and social conservatism. Laws’ potential inclusion could strengthen the party’s appeal to voters in rural and regional constituencies, where he maintained a strong following during his parliamentary career.

Laws, a former radio host and TV commentator, stepped down from parliament in 2017 amid internal party disputes and personal health concerns. His decision to re-enter politics comes as New Zealand First seeks to reassert its influence in a fragmented parliamentary landscape. The party currently holds two seats in the 120-member legislature, having secured 7.3% of the party vote in the 2020 election.

Political analysts noted that Laws’ candidacy could signal a strategic move to attract voters disillusioned with the major parties. “His experience in both media and governance provides a unique bridge between public discourse and policy-making,” said Dr. Emily Carter, a political scientist at Victoria University of Wellington. “However, the party’s ability to translate this into electoral gains remains uncertain given the current political dynamics.”

New Zealand First has not yet specified which electorate Laws might target, though his previous base in Waiariki remains a potential focus. The party’s electoral strategy is expected to be finalized in the coming weeks, with candidate nominations set to close in August. Laws’ campaign is likely to emphasize economic reform and regional development, aligning with the party’s core platform.

The announcement follows weeks of speculation about New Zealand First’s electoral preparations. The party has faced internal debates over its direction, with some members advocating for a more progressive stance on social issues. Laws’ entry could add a conservative voice to these discussions, though his personal political priorities remain unclear.

As the election campaign intensifies, the impact of Laws’ candidacy on New Zealand First’s prospects will depend on his ability to connect with voters and the party’s broader outreach efforts. The outcome could influence the balance of power in Parliament, particularly if the party surpasses its previous electoral performance.