Chris Hipkins accuses Winston Peters of 'pure racism' in Parliament

Accusations of racism have erupted in the New Zealand Parliament following comments made by New Zealand First leader Winston Peters during Question Time on Wednesday. The exchange centered on Green MP Teanau Tuiono’s use of the Māori name for New Zealand, “Aotearoa,” while questioning a minister about climate aid in the Pacific.

Peters’ Remarks and Immediate Response

Peters interrupted the proceedings to question why a minister was responding to a question from someone “who comes from Rarotonga to a country called New Zealand.” Speaker Gerry Brownlee initially intervened to address noise from other MPs. Labour leader Chris Hipkins immediately condemned Peters’ comments as “pure racism,” criticizing National ministers for not challenging the statement.

Did You Know? Green MP Teanau Tuiono was born in New Zealand and has both Māori and Cook Islands Māori heritage.

Broader Condemnation and Reactions

The Greens characterized Peters’ remarks as scapegoating migrants. Even Peters’ Cabinet colleague, ACT leader David Seymour, suggested Peters was seeking attention. Hipkins later delivered a speech decrying an “ugly side” to New Zealand politics, citing attacks on Chinese, Asian, and Indian communities, alongside the questioning of Pasifika heritage.

Differing Perspectives on the Incident

Tuiono himself responded by comparing Peters to former U.S. President Donald Trump, suggesting a lack of geographical knowledge. Ricardo Menéndez March, a Green colleague, accused Prime Minister Christopher Luxon of failing to provide leadership. Seymour, while disagreeing with Peters’ comments, cautioned against a “witch-hunt,” arguing it would only amplify the situation.

Expert Insight: The swift and varied reactions from across the political spectrum underscore the sensitivity surrounding issues of identity and belonging in New Zealand, and the potential for seemingly isolated incidents to escalate into broader debates about inclusivity and representation.

Peters dismissed Hipkins’ criticism as “utter nonsense” and stated he did not value Seymour’s opinion. He defended his questioning by asking how someone from another country could decide to change New Zealand’s name, and claimed to be regularly confronted by New Zealanders on the use of “Aotearoa.” He concluded by predicting a shift in public opinion as reflected in upcoming polls.

Frequently Asked Questions

What prompted the exchange in Parliament?

The exchange was prompted by Green MP Teanau Tuiono using the word “Aotearoa” when asking a question about climate aid in the Pacific, leading Winston Peters to question Tuiono’s origins.

How did Chris Hipkins respond to Winston Peters’ comments?

Chris Hipkins accused Winston Peters of “pure racism” and criticized National ministers for failing to challenge the remarks.

What was Winston Peters’ defence of his comments?

Peters argued that he was simply questioning why someone from another country would seek to change New Zealand’s name and claimed to be regularly confronted by New Zealanders on the use of “Aotearoa.”

What role might public opinion play in the aftermath of this parliamentary exchange?

Chris Hipkins accuses Winston Peters of ‘pure racism’ in Parliament