Election 2026: Winston Peters claims Chris Hipkins tried to get NZ First to reverse rule-out, Labour says not so

Home / New Zealand / PoliticsJamie Ensor & Adam PearseNZ Herald·20 Oct, 2026 03:37 AM3 mins to read‌While speaking to the media today, NZ First leader Winston Peters said Labour leader Chris Hipkins reached out to his staff "months and months ago". Video / NZ HeraldNew Zealand First leader Winston Peters alleges Labour tried to use back channels to convince him to reverse his decision to rule out working with Chris Hipkins’ party. But Labour denies that is the case, with a spokesperson telling the Herald: “Absolutely not, Winston Peters will say anything for AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.