Election 2020: NZ First leader Winston Peters promises to increase ambulance funding

New Zealand First is committing to increasing the funding to St John Ambulance's cost from 70 per cent to 90 per cent if re-elected.

Leader Winston Peters said it was "a crying shame" one of New Zealand's emergency services relied on charity to provide a service that all Kiwis needed in times of crisis.

The Ministry of Health and ACC fund around 72 per cent of the operating costs of St John. The remainder is part funded through part-charges and donations.

NZ First would increase this funding to 90 per cent and has made it a bottom line heading into the election on October 17.

Peters called this "common sense".

"St John services are stretched thin and early this term we were able to secure the short-term funding they desperately needed. But St John needs a commitment to meet the 90 per cent funding level they require," said Peters.

"The St John ambulance professionals save and protect New Zealanders everyday. They do a stellar job and it is time that the government was there to back them," said Peters.

"Our ambulance services need help and New Zealand First will back their future."

Peters made the policy announcement in Levin with his "Back Your Future" bus.

NZ First leader Winston Peters browsing the St John's Opportunity Shop during his visit to Levin. Photo / Mark Mitchell

He also said "someone needed to explain" how the Rugby Championship was handed to Australia to host given New Zealand had a better handle on Covid-19.

"It's very hard to understand how with their Covid circumstances being so much worse than ours that they could have beaten us.

"I don't want a full-scale inquiry, but a bit of open honesty would be a good idea."