Opportunity leader Qiulae Wong rejects claims party is sliding left

Opportunity leader Qiulae Wong has stated she would choose to be in opposition rather than support any policy her party does not believe in, even if required only to pass a first reading. Wong confirmed the party would not support a Treaty Principles Bill or New Zealand First's proposal to buy back the BNZ bank. Other policies the party would not support include ACT's plan to freeze the minimum wage, National's proposal for drug testing beneficiaries, and pledges by both ACT and New Zealand First to abolish the Waitangi Tribunal.

Wong has rejected concerns from Opportunity founder Gareth Morgan that the party is sliding to the left. Morgan, who founded the party in 2016 or 2017, suggested the party must distinguish itself as a centre option to attract tradespeople. Wong responded that Morgan is no longer involved in the party and that Opportunity is prepared to work with either Labour or National.

During a walkabout in Christchurch, Wong discussed the party's proposed citizen income, which is a universal $370 payment to all citizens over 18. She also addressed the number of parties in a potential coalition, suggesting that three or four is a good number, whereas seven would be too many.

In the same debate where Wong spoke, New Zealand First leader Winston Peters shared that he was smacked as a child for racing horses on the beach. Peters, who grew up as one of 11 children in Whananaki, said he 'thoroughly deserved them'.

How it developed

• Thu 22 Oct, 11:56amWong addressed Gareth Morgan's concerns about the party's political direction during a walkabout in Christchurch.

Where reports differ

• Reports differ on the year Gareth Morgan founded the Opportunity party, citing either 2016 or 2017

Compiled from reports by RNZ, Otago Daily Times, 1News and The Press.