Winston Peters defends NZ First ad regarding Manawanui sinking

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters is defending a social media advertisement that blames the sinking of the HMNZS Manawanui on "woke b******t". The ad features party candidate and former defence minister Ron Mark, who stated that "woke b******t of diversity, equity and inclusiveness" had gone "too far".

Peters claimed it is "clear as daylight" that the ship's captain, Commander Yvonne Gray, was hired through a diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programme. When asked for evidence regarding this claim, Peters replied, "yes".

The leader stated, "We are not against the promotion of seriously qualified women - never have been - but in this case, she was not qualified". He added that the vessel hitting a reef while on autopilot was "appalling" and that he is against DEI in terms of employment criteria.

Ron Mark previously told RNZ that he took offence at suggestions the ad was sexist, noting that Commander Gray had a "strong defence". National leader Christopher Luxon remarked that Mark appeared to be trying to "cosplay Pete Hegseth".

The controversy follows a public meeting in Levin where Peters cautioned supporters against "wasting" their party vote on National. During the meeting, Peters also discussed a 10-point rail plan and expressed concerns regarding immigration and the Paris Agreement.

How it developed

• Wed 28 Oct, 8:29amRNZ requested to see the evidence for Peters' claims on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Where reports differ

• The reports use different censored versions of the word 'bullshit' in the headlines and text.

Compiled from reports by RNZ, 1News, Stuff, NZ Herald and Otago Daily Times.