I deserve the credit says Peters

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters' election pamphlet listing his achievements in government has raised the eyebrows of his fellow politicians.

Sent to all Tauranga homes, with a lead story titled "End of Term Report", the flyer lists more than 60 career achievements but mainly focuses on his tenure - from 1997 to 1998 - as Treasurer in the National/NZ First Coalition Government.

The list includes free doctors' visits and prescriptions for children under six and leading the charge to abolish the superannuation surtax.

But his critics say he is seeking to ride on others' coat-tails.

His claim that he "passed" legislation allowing police to confiscate vehicles driven by serious offenders was rubbish, according to Bay of Plenty National MP Tony Ryall.

"That was a Maurice Williamson initiative, [in] which Mr Peters was only peripherally involved.

"But look, he was in the Cabinet and I suppose he can take some credit. Then there's the claim that he "kept Tauranga mortuary open".

"No, I don't think so," Medlab pathologist Ian Taylor said.

"It was a decision made by the crown health enterprise in response to wide-ranging input from the community, Maori, medical and nursing staff.

"A lot of people can take credit for that ... I think it would have kept going with or without Winston."

But Mr Peters is saying he deserves credit for his achievements.

National had been mean-spirited, he said, and many of the policies implemented had formed part of NZ First's 1996 election manifesto.

- NZPA

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