NZ First hits out at Grey Power

New Zealand First has turned its guns on traditional ally Grey Power, labelling the group's use of war-time terminology in the rates debate as "bad taste".

In a carefully constructed speech, New Zealand First MP Doug Woolerton yesterday said he was saddened by Grey Power's campaign to get the party to vote for Rodney Hide's bill to cap rates rises.

"We have been quite saddened by the language used in emails and letters during this campaign, which appear to us to be threatening," Mr Woolerton said during Parliament's general debate.

"And which recall the language used to remember those who died serving their country during war-time," he said. "We think this is bad taste."

Grey Power used the phrase "we will remember them" in reference to what it would do if New Zealand First didn't vote for Mr Hide's bill.

Mr Woolerton turned the phrase back on Grey Power and recited a series of things that his party wanted the group to remember.

"Let them remember that New Zealand First fought the Shipley government tooth and nail when it tried to cut superannuation," he said. "Let them remember that New Zealand First introduced the compulsory super debate...," he continued, adding at least another 10 items to his list.