NZ First changes tack

NZ First leader Winston Peters says the three-fingered salute will not feature this campaign. File picture / Bay of Plenty Times

New Zealand First will again head into the election with three key policy planks, but only immigration will remain in the top tier and the famous three-fingered salute will not reappear.

Immigration, law and order and treaty issues formed the rump of the party's last election campaign. But although Mr Peters is adamant he is not abandoning the last two issues, they will be replaced with packages for the elderly and a broad "nationalism" theme.

Mr Peters has made no secret he believes National in particular has "stolen" his treaty and law and order policies - among others.

He has particularly criticised National leader Don Brash's Orewa speech on the treaty in this regard.

Law and order is even more crowded, with most political parties attempting to campaign on it. Act takes a hard law and order line and NZ First believes its centrist stance on the issue would be drowned out in policy debates, despite regular success in chipping away at the Government by its spokesman Ron Mark.

The party's official line on its change of focus is that it has achieved much of what it set out to on the treaty and law and order because other political parties have embraced their policies.

The third plank will be centred on "nationalism". It will include issues of national security and greater protection for New Zealand businesses and workers. The growth in free trade deals being signed with a range of Asian countries will be a target. The retention of state assets and the recovery of those in overseas hands will be included.

Mr Peters confirmed the three finger salute would not reappear.