Dunne on Peters: ‘Can we trust him? No, we can’t!’
What Winston said before doing a total about-face and betraying every last NZ First supporter who cast a vote in the
1996 election:
• “New Zealand First is the only political party that can beat the National Party at the next election, and New Zealand
First intends to do just that.” (22 May 1996, Hansard)
• “The Prime Minister [Jim Bolger] is not fit for the job and come 12 October he will be out. He should not get on his
phone and call me like he did last time, because we are not interested in political, Quisling behaviour” (20 August
1996, Hansard)
• “Why would we [join with National]? They have brought this country, economically and socially, in terms of eight out
of ten New Zealanders, to its knees.” (15 September 1996, as quoted in NZ Herald, 11 December 1996, A13)
• “There’s only one party that can bust National this election and you’re looking at it”. (The Dominion, 23 September
1996)
• “If you want National out, vote New Zealand First. New Zealand First is the only party that can beat National.” (25
September 1996, as quoted in NZ Herald, 11 December 1996)
• “Only a vote for New Zealand First can guarantee an alternative to National.” (4 October 1996, as quoted in NZ Herald,
11 December 1996)
“So tell us again, Winston: what will you do with the votes entrusted to you?” Mr Dunne asked.
Ends.