Winston Peters: New Zealand First leader visits Tauranga

Deputy prime minister Winston Peters speaks at a public meeting at the Classic Flyers Museum. Photo / George Novak

Experience and common sense - that's what New Zealand First leader Winston Peters says his party brought to Government.

The New Zealand First leader is in Tauranga addressing a public meeting at the Classic Flyers Museum and speaking to media this afternoon.

More than 100 people turned out to hear Peters, laughing at his comments and clapping at his statements.

Signs featuring Winston Peters' face paved the carpark and pathway to the Mount Maunganui museum, with a sign written tour bus with the words 'Back Your Future', Party Vote New Zealand First parked in the entry.

He said his party provided experience to government, proven by the ability to move the 150,000 people back to New Zealand or home from New Zealand when Covid- 19 struck the country.

"And we didn't endanger this countries health in doing so. That is why experience is so important," Peters said.

A crowd has gathered to hear deputy prime minister Winston Peters speak in Tauranga. Photo / George Novak

"Experience is about how in the last three years we have reset our Pacific relationships and re-established our senior role in the Pacific. Our neighborhood is part of our security and we have rapidly restored our influence with our Pacific friends."

Peters said New Zealand First had brought "some common sense to government" and highlighted the importance for the next government to focus on regional New Zealand.

"We're back again in the Bay of Plenty because we've always believed regions matter, that they are the engine room of our economy, that they are the power house of our export wealth, and critical to a Covid-19 recovery," Peters said.

"Ladies and gentlemen, experience is needed in politics, and for the last three years we brought experience and common sense to government.

"As Foreign Minister we've worked hard to re-establish New Zealand's respect in the world."

He spoke about bringing experience to "every discussion" to pass more than "190 pieces of legislation" as part of a coalition government over the past three years.

It wasn't without of disagreements however, he said.

Looking ahead, Peters said voting in this year's election was critical and highlighted seniors, regions and experience of high importance.

At the end of the public meeting, Peters took questions from attendees.

When a member of the public was leading to a question regarding Covid-19 which Peters didn't like, he interrupted the man and hurried him along before referring to him as a "flat-earther".

More to come.