Hipkins Accuses Peters of ‘Pure Racism’ in New Zealand Parliament

Wellington, New Zealand – Labour leader Chris Hipkins has publicly accused NZ First leader Winston Peters of “pure racism” following an exchange during Parliament’s Question Time on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. The accusation stems from Peters’ questioning of Green MP Teanau Tuiono’s heritage whereas Tuiono was asking questions about climate aid in the Pacific.

The Incident in Parliament

The controversy began when Green MP Teanau Tuiono used the Māori term “Aotearoa” to refer to New Zealand while questioning the minister about climate aid in the Pacific. Peters interrupted, asking, “Why is [the minister] answering a question from someone who comes from Rarotonga to a country called New Zealand?”

Speaker Gerry Brownlee initially cut Peters off due to noise from other MPs. Hipkins immediately responded, stating, “Members in this House are equal. For a member of the House to stand up and question whether someone is entitled to request a question given that of their country of origin is pure racism, and you should’ve stopped him in the beginning.” Brownlee stated he did not hear the remark initially but would review the transcription.

Peters subsequently asked why someone from Rarotonga had decided “without any consultation with the New Zealand people” to change the country’s name. Brownlee deemed this question “not acceptable” and warned against directing personal attacks at members of Parliament.

Reactions and Condemnation

The incident drew swift condemnation from across the political spectrum. The Green Party characterized Peters’ comments as scapegoating migrants. ACT leader David Seymour, Peters’ Cabinet colleague, suggested Peters was seeking attention.

Hipkins later delivered a speech decrying an “ugly side to New Zealand politics,” highlighting what he called “outright race-baiting” and “direct racism.” He criticized National ministers for remaining silent in response to these attacks, stating their inaction was “totally unacceptable.” Hipkins specifically mentioned attacks on Chinese, Asian, and Indian communities in New Zealand.

Tuiono, who has both Māori and Cook Islands Māori heritage and was born in New Zealand, described Peters’ actions as employing “culture wars” to distract from real issues. He jokingly suggested Peters needed an atlas, “a bilingual one preferably.” Green colleague Ricardo Menéndez March labeled Peters a “Temu Trump” and accused Prime Minister Christopher Luxon of failing to provide leadership.

Peters’ Response

Peters dismissed Hipkins’ accusations as “utter nonsense” and stated he did not care about Seymour’s views. He defended his questioning by asking how someone who came to New Zealand could decide to change the country’s name. When informed that Tuiono was born in New Zealand, Peters reiterated his point, noting Tuiono identifies as a “Cook Islander.” He claimed to be regularly confronted by New Zealanders regarding the use of the term “Aotearoa” and predicted a shift in public opinion reflected in upcoming polls.

Background on Aotearoa

“Aotearoa” is the Māori name for New Zealand. Its increasing use alongside “New Zealand” reflects a growing recognition of the country’s indigenous heritage and the Māori language. The New Zealand government actively promotes the use of Te Reo Māori.