… Thank You……
I want to thank all those people who voted for New Zealand First on Saturday. We came close, but it wasn’t to be. You can’t win every night in the game of politics. Thank you also to those who have given their support or helped out over the years and in particular in recent months.
Thank you to those who have written kind comments here on this site or who have stopped us in the street to have a word. New Zealand First is a great party because of the people who support us. We have always tried to do right by you and we will continue with that philosophy. As I said on Saturday, it’s not over yet.
November 10th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
Winston, I was so bloody disappointed that NZ First didn’t make it.
You have done us, your supporters proud. And one day, in the very not too distant future - all those people that didn’t vote NZ First will come to realise how much the party gave, and what no one else is giving.
Looking forward to see you back in 3 years time to form the next government,
kia kaha
Aaron
November 10th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
Thanks for everything you’ve done Winston. I’ve lost all faith and interest in government doing right by the people now that NZ First is no longer there. It’s simply a case of hunkering down, riding the storm, and getting through the next few years the best we can.
I can’t wait for the book Winston
November 10th, 2008 at 6:04 pm
thanks to nzfirst for years of service to this country, & best of luck for the future
i suspect a lot of voters are going to start kicking themselves soon, i hope we can rectify the situation in 2011
November 10th, 2008 at 6:13 pm
Thats the attitude! So long as NZF exists I will remain dedicated to its cause and existance.You were treated so unfairly Winston that to go as close as you did was a great effort. I hope that you wont retire from politics.Another winning comeback would give you the final say ! If you dont continue…perhaps writing a book…say….6 months out from the next election would prove ‘very interesting’!! In times like this loyalty may be tested….mine remains 100% plus! Rock on Winston!!
November 10th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
As a longtime supporter and member of NZ First, I am disappointed the party isn’t in parliament anymore. You got my party vote on Saturday. I’m particularly sorry for Ron who like me had a long career in the NZ Defence Forces. I still like NZ First’s policies and hopefully the party will be back in 2011. Regards, John, Swannanoa, North Canterbury
November 10th, 2008 at 8:37 pm
Hi Winstone just to say thank you for all your hard work over the last 30yrs especialy the last 15yrs that I have voted for NZ First.I am a 32yr old male who is a keen follower of you and the NZ First party.I’m upset that NZ First did not make it to parliment this term, the New Zealand public thought it was time for a change which I can understand but the amount of votes for Act Rodney Hide astounds me.I must say as a keen follower of NZ First and yourself I admire and respect you. Although I am not in the media like yourself from watching all the media reports about Owen Glenn and secret donations, I was disappointed in your guarded approach to the media. As a leader you must set a good example for the next NZ First leader which we all hope will be someway off.I can however understand that the media can turn things around not to be in your favour. I and other NZ First supporters trust that the decisions you make for you and your party are in New Zealand’s best interests.I hope that you are not offended by my honesty as I am a keen supporter and I only have the best interests of you and NZ First at heart.Once again I would like to say THANK YOU for what you have wanted to achive for New Zealand.I hope you enjoy your time off from parliment and get yourself and NZ First re-energized for 2011.KIND REGARDS MATTHEW
November 10th, 2008 at 8:50 pm
It’d better not be over.
Looking forward to 2011 and everything you have to offer in between
November 10th, 2008 at 9:32 pm
Winston, thank you for being the principled, courageous man you are, and for your gracious speech on Saturday night. I am gutted that my vote didn’t count, and that there is nobody in Parliament to represent my views. On behalf of decent New Zealanders, I apologise to you for the vile attacks by a biased media and big business who worked to get you out of politics. This country is a better place for having had you working for its people over the years. I hope you will be back. But if you decide to have a life where you can spend time with those you love, we will understand. God bless you richly, and thank you for all you have done for New Zealand.
November 10th, 2008 at 9:53 pm
Dear Mr Peters,
I did not vote for your party but nevertheless I think you are a great politician. Without you, parlament will not be the same as before the elections. I hope that in 3 years you will be reelected because in NZ we need politicians like you, who are not affraid to say what they think. As Churchill said: “Never, never, never, never, never give up.”
November 10th, 2008 at 10:00 pm
Hi winston
Thank you for standing tall this year in the face of all the allegations. You were a great inspiration to me and if i might add you gave me the desire to get more interested in politics even though it is couch politics i have really enjoyed the build up to the election. Be proud of your achievements winston because we are. God bless
November 10th, 2008 at 10:06 pm
Hello Winston
I am so glad to see your post. I have been looking out for it since the election. I hope you have had a little rest since Saturday night. You did look very tired.
It wasn’t to be because Tauranga let you down. There is something wrong with a system where the fourth highest polling party gets no seats at all. However, that is the system and we are stuck with it for the time being at least.
I am a long time NZF supporter, based on policy alone. In addition to the gains you have made for seniors citizens, you achieved a great deal as Foreign Minister, representing us with dignity and charisma overseas. Between you and Helen I believe that our reputation and presence abroad has been considerably enhanced these past three years.
It is with trepidation and a good deal of foreboding that I look into the future. I see Rogernomics round two, an extremely scruffy-looking foreign minister and a PM who does not know the difference between singular and plural, says “obviously” in every sentence and punctuates his comments with “ya know”. Oh dear, we will be a laughing stock.
Take a break, Winston and have some well-earned rest. I apologise for the ignorant and fickle who have taken everything you have been prepared to give them and let you down. The elderly of my acquaintance just love their free transport. That has been absolutely life-changing for so many of them. Thank you for all the sacrifices you have made to make NZ a better place for us all.
All the best.
November 11th, 2008 at 12:36 am
Dear Winston
My colleagues, friends, family and I, want to thank you for a an exciting, eventful and well celebrated career in politics.
Your a humble man, yet a gentleman of style, a fighter to the end and a
leader of inspiration who accepted, it wasn’t to be on the election night 2008, although it was close, its not over yet.
The kind comments from us clearly indicate the fact that yes! you will be missed and we may not accept it,
somehow I believe its not over yet.
I/we look forward to supporting and
discussing the future of New Zealand First, its not over yet.
November 11th, 2008 at 1:29 am
I have voted for N.Z. First since the 1999 elections because I’ve always believed in what the party stands for! I believe New Zealand is in for a hard time for the next three years, without the N.Z. First party there. The party has always brought in patriotic and common-sense policies. I’m very disappointed that alot of kiwis did not vote for N.Z. First. I wish Winston Peters and the party all the best, and I wholeheartedly believe that we’ll be back in parliament in 2011!
November 11th, 2008 at 8:32 am
I feel shocked and angry that NZ First has been denied a presence in parliament after so many years of dedication, hard work and achievement.
NZ First is the only truly conservative party in NZ politics. Unlike the right/liberal National Party hacks masquerading as ‘conservatives’, Winston Peters and the NZ First party are consistently conservative on social/cultural issues. They have been the only voice raised in opposition to indiscriminate immigration, divisive state-sanctioned multiculturalism, and ‘grievance’ politics. The National Party, on the other hand, is indistinguishable from the Labour Party on such issues.
NZ First speaks for those who have been muzzled by political correctness and cowed into silence. It would seem that, in their desperation to oust Labour and the Greens, many NZ First supporters voted National to be on the safe side. I am particularly disappointed in the over 65s who have gained so much from your policies and seem to have taken it for granted that NZ First would be returned anyway.
Finally a plea. The pendulum has swung temporarily to National, not because of the charisma of John Key, or the great line-up of talent, but as a reaction to nine years of Labour/Green policies. Unfortunately, people have short memories. Your time will come again, so hang in there Winston and NZ First. You speak for those who feel disenfranchised. NZ First stands alone - don’t desert us. Come back in 2011 with renewed vigour. Go for it - your country needs you!
November 11th, 2008 at 9:24 am
We will miss you, please don’t let the wizzel from ACT get you down.But like all great men they can never take that away. You should have been PM
November 11th, 2008 at 9:53 am
Well done, werll done, well done. Never give up mate, your’ve done a good job. Sad that people just havn’t realised it.
November 11th, 2008 at 10:32 am
Hello Winston
I have always voted for NZ First on policy alone. In my opinion you were an excellent Foreign Minister.I am sorry to have witnessed the manner in which you have been systematically knifed in the back by the NZ media, TV1 in particular have been simply disgusting. I wish you happiness and good fortune in whatever you decide upon.
November 11th, 2008 at 10:34 am
Hi Winston
Thanks for the service you have given to this country, the next three years will show just how much, I can’t see John Key keeping Roger out of government.
As you have told us “By their works you shall know them”.
To those that voted for “change” I believe you will get more change than you can handle.
November 11th, 2008 at 11:29 am
Firstly thank you Winston, & New Zealand First for giving this election your very best. We did our best also, in support of you all.
Considering the very destructive media influence you still have a huge following. We also agree with all of the above, there is little more we can add, except to say that we have been there right from the start. I was a scrutineer for National in the Hunua Electorate back in the 1978 Elections. Yes, I was there for your First big Challenge & the battle against Malcolm Douglas, & saw you win. I was 34 & full of energy. I remember the great excitement of those days, also meeting your wife Louise & your lovely little children.
Of course, a lot of water has flowed under the bridge since then for us all. Many things have changed as they do through the ages, but one thing that has never changed is the enthusiasm of your Party & your supporters, or the sacrifice in your own personal life, your devotion, reliability, & intellectual ability to take up a challenge head on, & win. Winston, you are a great Politician & person, one we as New Zealanders, can be very proud of with your humanity, your achievements in implementing many of your policies & promises for our benefit & your success offshore as our Foreign Minister.
We await eagerly for instructions from you Winston, & New Zealand First Headquarters, so next year we can all join together & start preparing for the 2011 elections.
God Bless always,
Kind regards, Judy.
November 11th, 2008 at 11:58 am
Hi Winston This was the most dirtiest campaign ever and I felt for you at this time and point.
However I have decided to join New Zealand first and you over the next three years and make another election come back.
Be Strong and be cool.
November 11th, 2008 at 11:58 am
Hello Winston,
Thanks for all the effort, work and time you and your party have put in over the years. I’m sorry that National did not give you an opportunity to join them. You have been an inspiration to me and my adult sons who have voted for you. Whatever the future holds for you, I pray that it will be a blessed one and you will have what your heart desires. All the best for the time ahead to you and the other fine NZ First MP’s who have served and the people of our great country.
November 12th, 2008 at 9:42 pm
Kia Ora Winston,
I was so sad to Saturday. Its good to hear that you will be staying on.
Peter and I are going to contact Craig McNair and look at joining as members and see if we can assist him
November 17th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
“by their works you shall know them”? hmm now there’s a quote i agree with, Bill:)
“works”, “fruits”…that was actually a quote from Jesus though wasn’t it?
when i was new online i thought that everything i saw was real lol. once i was even on this famous politician in the Uk’s friendlist [so i thought].
it’s not actually Winston Peter’s himself that answers though, as far as i know. He would of delegated blog duties to one of his members surely.
maybe he glances over it once in a while, but i’d guess he’s too busy to be monitoring a blog.
what we need is an actual chatroom for NZF supporters, that would be cool.
peace
November 17th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
oh ps to blog monitor….if you used paltalk you could keep the room under control easily, so it doesn’t go nuts!
November 18th, 2008 at 9:06 am
Well I can only reiterate what other have said above.Have a good rest Winston and comeback stronger and have the LAST laugh.NZers wanted a change,well I think they have been conned&will not be jumping fence to greener pasters!Good Luck
November 28th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
So the bell rings for the end of another round. So you wait… NOW is the time for your supporters, the dreamers, the architects, the builders and all the can doers to plan and to revitalise because the bell will ring again and I do not see any trainers throwing in the towel. Yes, it’s a fight and this party’s won more than it has lost, yes it’s difficult to take a beating that last round, yes we could pack it in, but at the end of the day, if it’s worth it, we’ll fight again. Courage is but one spoke in this wheel, it’s time for imaginative policy because at this time in our history there will not be much required to topple a new government in 2011 once the honeymoon is over. Keep writing your letters to the newspapers, keep mentioning this party by name. YOU are the message