Winston Peters remarks controversy

The story so far

Foreign Minister Winston Peters told Green MP Lawrence Xu-Nan to "go back to your own country" during a parliamentary debate, and faced calls to be sacked.^{30 Jul} China's ambassador said the remarks revealed more about the speaker, and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon called them "attention-seeking".^{30 Jul} Luxon then described the comments as racist, but said he had confidence in Peters and would not remove him, despite calls from figures such as Don Brash to do so.^{31 Jul} Luxon said he would speak with Peters, and later met him privately but did not demand an apology.^{3, 4 Aug} Peters declined to apologise, and Labour leader Chris Hipkins said Peters cannot represent New Zealand.^{4 Aug}

Latest

Hipkins ruled out a governing deal with New Zealand First after a unanimous Labour caucus meeting, citing the party's recent behaviour and overt racism.^{10 Aug} In September, Kneecap invited Peters to their New Zealand shows after he called the group "low IQ weasels" for supporting Green MP Tamatha Paul.^{7 Sep}

Key moments

1. 30 JulPeters tells Green MP Lawrence Xu-Nan to "go back to your own country".
2. 31 JulLuxon calls the remarks racist but says he will not sack Peters.
3. 4 AugHipkins says Peters cannot represent New Zealand and rules out working with him.
4. 4 AugPeters refuses to apologise; Luxon will not demand one after private meeting.
5. 4 AugChlöe Swarbrick is ejected from the House after accusing the Speaker of double standards.
6. 10 AugHipkins rules out a governing deal with New Zealand First.
7. 7 SepKneecap invite Peters to their New Zealand shows after his "low IQ weasels" remark.

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