NZ First public service diversity dispute

The story so far

In March 2025, NZ First leader Winston Peters introduced a Member's Bill to repeal public service diversity and inclusiveness requirements, saying it would focus hiring on meritocracy.^{7 Mar 2025} Peters argued that diversity targets in the public sector were being prioritised over merit, and he campaigned against diversity, equity and inclusion policies.^{7, 12 Mar 2025} Chris Hipkins responded to Peters's claims, and the two leaders clashed publicly over public sector diversity.^{12 Mar 2025} Peters rejected claims that the NZ First constitution contains similar diversity requirements, though the constitution reportedly allows a committee to consider gender, age and ethnicity when ranking candidates.^{12, 13 Mar 2025} Public Service Minister Judith Collins said she was unaware of any such quotas, and Peters gave a "war on woke" State of the Nation speech in Christchurch, which protesters repeatedly interrupted.^{13, 23 Mar 2025}

Key moments

1. 7 Mar 2025Peters introduces Member's Bill to repeal public service diversity requirements.
2. 12 Mar 2025Peters rejects claims NZ First's constitution has diversity requirements similar to public service targets.
3. 13 Mar 2025Judith Collins says she was unaware of public service diversity quotas.
4. 23 Mar 2025Peters declares a "war on woke" in Christchurch State of the Nation speech.
5. 24 Mar 2025Hipkins calls Peters a chaotic Donald Trump impersonator; leaders exchange insults.

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