Full Breakdown
Stuart Nash Returns to Parliament via New Zealand First
5/25/2026, 12:01:33 AM
Stuart Nash Announces Return to Politics with New Zealand First
Stuart Nash announced at NZ First’s September 2024 convention he will contest Parliament. He pledged to “work hard to prove that I’m a man who is respectful to everyone” after an interview in which he called a woman “a person with a p*y and a pair of ts.” The comment forced his resignation from Robert Walters and Taxpayers’ Union board. Winston Peters sees him as a Cabinet minister if NZ First joins government.
Why It Matters
Nash brings six years of Cabinet experience, oversaw NZ First’s 2017 pledge to add 1,800 police officers, and faced backlash after a Newstalk ZB caller said his comment offended 95 % of New Zealanders, leading to his removal from a U.S. trade delegation. His move could broaden NZ First’s appeal to Labour voters, shifting balance of power in next election. Experience may boost party’s credibility, but controversy tests voter tolerance.
Official Statements & Responses
Nash posted an apology calling it “crude and disrespectful” and pledged to “work hard to rectify this”. He said he feels “deep regret”. Winston Peters defended Nash, saying he “understands working people of this country” and that his mistake is “redeemable”. He said Nash would be a “seamless” addition to NZ First and could serve as Cabinet minister if party enters government. Hipkins did not comment.
Criticism & Opposition
Women’s groups condemned Nash’s definition of a woman as offensive; his wife, mother and daughters called the backlash “brutal”. National Party MP Katie Nimon, his Napier opponent, highlighted it as a reason for voters to consider alternatives. Observers questioned whether the comment would alienate female voters.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on whether Nash claims Hipkins “stabbed him in the back”; he first defended the claim, later called Hipkins a “mate”. NZ First’s deliberations on his candidacy remain undisclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “A person with a p*y and a pair of ts.” — Stuart Nash, interview on The Platform
- “I made a mistake, I got it wrong, I own it,” — Stuart Nash, interview with The Herald
- “No doubt about it, yes.” — Winston Peters, on Nash’s potential Cabinet role
- “Stuart Nash understands the working people of this country and he’s demonstrated that over a long time and that’s a critical component we need in this Parliament if we are to make a recovery.” — Winston Peters, interview with The Herald
What’s Next
Nash will contest the Napier electorate or seek a list seat in the next election. NZ First’s vote share will show whether voters accept his apology and value his experience. Coalition talks after the election will decide if he can become a Cabinet minister, Peters predicts.
