State of the Nation: Why This First-Time Voter is Backing NZ First

In a newly published feature for 1News examining New Zealand’s political landscape ahead of the November election, a university student and law clerk has outlined why he intends to vote for New Zealand First, identifying immigration as his primary concern. The voter, who identifies primarily as New Zealand European alongside partial Māori and Australian heritage, stated that his perspective on population growth stems from witnessing Auckland transform over the past 18 years.

Student Cites Immigration and Supermarket Duopoly for Vote

Detailing his voting rationale, the student argued that immigration is driving societal shifts and generating tension across the country. While noting that he earns approximately $1,000 a week when working and holds a reasonably well-paying job, he expressed concern that many of his peers are struggling to find employment. Beyond the labor market, he stated that his values broadly align with those of New Zealand First, specifically supporting the party’s policy to break up the supermarket duopoly.

The voter also expressed personal support for New Zealand First leader Winston Peters, who declared a “war on woke” in 2025. Reflecting on potential post-election coalitions, the student acknowledged that his vote effectively supports a right-wing bloc that would return National leader Christopher Luxon to the prime ministership. However, he stated that he holds a deep personal distrust of both Luxon and Labour leader Chris Hipkins, criticizing the National leader’s background as a CEO.

Dissent Over Trade and Environmental Priorities

The voter voiced sharp criticism of the free trade agreement with India, faulting both the Labour and National parties for working together to pass the accord. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Mod and Chris Luxon formally shook hands on the trade deal in April. The student argued that the two major parties bypassed normal processes against the will of coalition partners and a significant portion of the public for minimal economic gain.

On environmental matters, the voter placed issues such as the Paris Agreement and climate change lower on his priority list, expressing skepticism toward scientific consensus and media framing. Regarding regional development, he voiced support for mining projects championed by New Zealand First MP and minister Shane Jones. Minister of Regional Economic Development Shane Jones stated in May that the coalition government is bringing about a “golden age of extraction” to continue at pace. The student argued that extracting resources such as gold from central Otago is more useful during current economic times, suggesting that returning a portion of mining profits to the affected regions would help mitigate environmental impacts.

Voter Backs School Phone Bans and Gender Legislation

Reflecting on the government’s mobile phone ban in schools, he noted that while it was less effective at the decile 2 high school he attended compared to elite institutions, he would support the ban if properly implemented. He also backed restricting social media access for individuals under 16, asserting that government intervention is necessary to curb addiction among young people.

As a Roman Catholic, the voter also expressed strong support for the Legislation (Definitions of a Woman and Man) Amendment Bill advanced by New Zealand First, stating that it aligns with his religious beliefs. Concluding his observations on political polarization, the student described wearing an New Zealand First jacket on campus as a social experiment, noting varied reactions from peers ranging from avoidance to willingness to engage in open political discussion.