CHANGING DEMOCRACY

  BC and the politics of Middle Earth   

WINSTON PETERS

Winston Peters has a long and somewhat stormy history as a New Zealand MP. He is a lawyer and started his political career with the New Zealand National Party. He was a minister in the National Government in 1990, but left cabinet in 1991 after a disagreement over policy. In 1993, Peters formed New Zealand First. In 1996, he backed National as a coalition partner and once again entered cabinet, to much controversy.

New Zealand First is currently the third largest party in Parliament with 13 MPs. The Green Party may have more influence on the government by supporting some Labour policies, but Peters is without question one of the most dynamic and colourful characters in New Zealand politics.

Winston Peters was interviewed in Wellington on November 11, 2003.

Your party has 13 seats, but you are the only MP to have won a constituency (riding). Are your other "list" MPs legitimate MPs?

Winston Peters 1  01:30

Any advice for BC on implementing electoral reform?

Winston Peters 2  01:30