NZ First Manawanui sinking ad controversy

The story so far

Mark denied that his comments on diversity, equity and inclusiveness were related to the vessel being captained by a woman.^{27 Oct} Party leader Winston Peters defended the NZ First advertisement that blamed diversity, equity and inclusion programmes for the sinking, which featured Mark, though reports said Peters was at odds with his candidate over its content.^{28 Oct} Opportunity leader Qiulae Wong said ruling out NZ First was under serious consideration, and Peters responded by calling Opportunity's leader a "pinko communist".^{28 Oct}

Latest

On 3 November, National leader Christopher Luxon ruled out NZ First candidate Michael Laws as a minister in a future government, after Laws made sexist comments about female Opportunity candidates.

What's next

Peters has said Laws will be reprimanded but will remain a candidate.

Key moments

1. 27 OctRon Mark blames "woke bullshit" for Manawanui sinking in social media video
2. 28 OctPeters defends NZ First ad blaming diversity programmes for Manawanui sinking
3. 28 OctOpportunity considers ruling out NZ First; Peters calls its leader "pinko communist"

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.