NZ First has quietly withdrawn its members’ bill defining “man” and “woman” in biological terms to make way for a new proposal banning public fireworks sales.
Many supporters of the party are dismayed by the move, while others say it shows the party’s preference for publicity over policy.
The “ban on fireworks” announcement was timed for maximum attention, landing a day before Guy Fawkes Night and featuring a press release quoting Winston Peters extensively. As a cabinet minister, Peters cannot submit a members’ bill himself, so MP Jenny Marcroft was nominated to file it.
Party president Julian Paul confirmed to The Spinoff that NZ First can only hold four members’ bills in the parliamentary ballot at once, meaning Marcroft’s earlier “biological definitions” bill had to be pulled. The trade-off triggered condemnation from supporters who saw the definitions bill as central to NZ First’s cultural platform.
In the past year, the party has introduced 14 members’ bills and withdrawn 10, often shelving older proposals to chase newer flashpoint issues. Previous swaps have involved bills on fluoride referendums, flag restrictions, and free speech protections.
After online criticism, NZ First reversed course again, reinstating the biological definitions bill under another MP’s name.
Centrist Ltd.