A former senior National Party minister has launched a scathing attack on New Zealand First, calling on his former party to “extricate themselves from this grisly coalition and declare war on New Zealand First”.
Chris Finlayson also cast doubt on whether the current coalition government will last through to the next election, pointing to growing tensions between National and NZ First.
Those tensions have intensified following the release of internal government emails under the Official Information Act, detailing discussions around New Zealand’s stance on US strikes against Iran. The emails indicated Prime Minister Christopher Luxon was inclined to support the US position, but New Zealand ultimately withheld support after intervention from NZ First leader Winston Peters.
Coalition Friction Comes Into Public View
The fallout has exposed deep divisions within the coalition, with Peters acknowledging it was a mistake to release the emails without first consulting the Prime Minister’s office.
National figures responded sharply, accusing Peters of putting politics ahead of the national interest, while Deputy Leader Nicola Willis described him as “very, very confused”.
Finlayson said the entire episode was highly unusual.
“These are the sorts of exchanges that you would not expect to be released under the OIA because there’s a carve-out for this kind of sensitive material.”
He also criticised the process behind the release.
“It was appalling where you’ve got multiple ministers involved in the creation of emails and documents, you would expect their offices to be consulted.”
David Seymour, Christopher Luxon and Winston Peters. Photo: RNZ
“Enemy, Not Frenemy”
Finlayson did not hold back in his assessment of NZ First, describing the party as “an excrescence” and warning that political relationships with it inevitably deteriorate.
“Every time any political party deals with them, you get that sort of nonsense.”
He went further, rejecting even the idea of a working relationship.
“I think they’re the enemy.”
He echoed comments from former Prime Minister Helen Clark, who suggested National and NZ First are “eating one another for votes”.
Questions Over Coalition Longevity
Finlayson questioned whether the coalition could survive until the election, arguing that repeated controversies are undermining public confidence.
“I wonder whether this thing will go full term. It just seems to me every time New Zealand First is in government, you get these kinds of sideshows.”
He added that voters are increasingly disengaged from political infighting.
“People are sick of it… They’re more interested in the cost of living, in airfares and questions like that.”
Helen Clark. Photo: RNZ / Diego Opatowski
Clark: “Caught Napping”
Helen Clark said Peters’ cautious approach to the Iran issue was appropriate but raised concerns about how the email release was handled.
“Sometimes it can be stuff up rather than conspiracy.”
However, she questioned whether the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet had failed to properly manage the situation.
“It’s a bit hard to believe that no one… knew that this request had been made… I think people have been caught napping here.”
Stability Claims Continue
Despite the escalating rhetoric, senior National figures have publicly maintained confidence in the coalition.
Nicola Willis said stability would depend on adherence to the coalition agreement, while campaign chair Simeon Brown insisted the government remained in “a good space”.
Former campaign chair Chris Bishop also pushed back on claims of instability, stating the coalition was delivering results despite earlier predictions it would collapse.
However, criticism from outside the coalition has continued. Former Foreign Minister Phil Goff argued Peters’ actions were deliberate, calling the release of the emails “no mistake” and suggesting it undermined National leadership.
Political Pressure Building
The episode highlights growing strain within the coalition as policy disagreements and strategic differences increasingly spill into public view.
With the election approaching, the question is no longer whether tensions exist, but whether they can be contained long enough to maintain a functioning government.