New Zealand First has introduced a Member’s Bill that would ban the display of all flags except the official New Zealand flag on government buildings, a move party leader Winston Peters says is aimed at protecting national identity and preventing the politicisation of public spaces.

Titled the Display of Flags (Government Premises) Bill, the proposed legislation would apply to Crown buildings, local government properties, and state schools.

Under the bill, only the official New Zealand flag would be permitted, with limited exceptions for foreign flags displayed during official diplomatic or state visits.

“Government buildings are for all New Zealanders and should not be hijacked to force cultural, woke, or divisive political ideology down the throats of others,” Peters said in a statement. “This legislation would ban symbols and flags of politically motivated ideology and division from being displayed on government buildings.”

The bill includes provisions to establish offences for unauthorised flag displays or failures by institutions to enforce the rules.

New Zealand First says the bill is about ensuring unity and consistency in how the country presents itself through its public institutions.

“New Zealand First believes in one country, one people, one flag,” Peters said. “This is about protecting our national identity, national pride, and keeping our government buildings free from political activism.”

The bill is likely to spark debate over free expression, cultural representation, and the role of public institutions in reflecting New Zealand’s diversity. It will need to be drawn from the Member’s Bill ballot before it can proceed to Parliament for debate.