New Zealand First leader Winston Peters will speak at a public meeting in Hamilton at the end of the party’s convention on Sunday.
Winston Peters
“It’s just a really good opportunity for the party leader to say what we have been achieving,” said Pirongia-based New Zealand First board member Pip Eyre, who also works for the party leader’s office.
Peters will speak at the Distinction Hotel in his capacity as party leader, rather than his deputy prime minister role which ends in May 2025, when the baton is passed to ACT party leader David Seymour.
Eyre is focused on supporting Peters.
“We think he’s pretty awesome and we just want to carry on as we have done. We’ve got a great working relationship and in Parliament and great team and we’re just getting on with it, progressing New Zealand First policy.
“We’re excited to hear what he’s got to say and what updates he’s going to bring to the public in that capacity,” Eyre said. “We’re excited to get everyone together and round out a great first year back in government.”
Eyre was most proud of the progress NZ First had made in getting a second broader phase of the Royal Commission Inquiry into New Zealand’s Covid-19 response into the coalition agreement with the ACT and National parties. Phase two will start next month and be the independent, full scale, and public inquiry.
Second on Eyre’s list is the inclusion in the 2024 Budget of $191 million over four years to fund the recruitment and retention of 500 more sworn police officers and a further $34.6 million in capital to ensure that they are properly equipped to do their jobs.
Eyre was also proud of the $1.2 billion Regional Infrastructure Fund headed by NZ First member of parliament and regional development minister Shane Jones. Councils, iwi, businesses and community organisations with infrastructure projects that support regional priorities are invited to apply for funding from the Regional Infrastructure Fund.
Jones is hosting a Waikato Regional Summit Meeting in Hamilton tomorrow.
New Zealand First board member Pip Eyre.
