New Zealand First leader Winston Peters is in Christchurch today for a public meeting as the party campaigns on immigration restrictions, housing development rules and a $15 million funding pledge for the Christ Church Cathedral restoration.

Peters, who is also Minister of Foreign Affairs, will address supporters and members of the public at the James Hay Theatre in the Christchurch Town Hall from 2pm to 3pm.

The meeting comes ahead of the 7 November general election, with New Zealand First promoting a range of policies covering immigration, taxation, housing, retirement and electricity prices.

One of the party’s key commitments for Christchurch is a promise to provide an additional $15 million in government funding for the earthquake damaged Christ Church Cathedral if New Zealand First is part of the next government.

Peters announced the pledge in March, arguing that the restoration of the city’s landmark building should be completed.

“This is more than just a Church, it is a part of the city’s heritage. It is a symbol of the long road of the Christchurch earthquake recovery,” Peters said.

The commitment comes despite Finance Minister Nicola Willis ruling out additional government funding earlier this year.

Christchurch City Council subsequently allocated $15 million towards the Cathedral restoration, subject to conditions including matching government funding.

The project has been on hold since 2024 because of a funding shortfall.

New Zealand First’s most recent housing policy, announced on 14 October, would require adequate infrastructure to be in place before housing developments receive approval through the fast track process.

The party wants developments to have the necessary roads, water, wastewater and other essential services approved before construction projects proceed.

It argues new housing should not place additional infrastructure costs on existing communities.

Immigration is another major focus of the party’s election campaign.

On 11 October, New Zealand First announced plans to scrap the Accredited Employer Work Visa system and replace it with a Skilled Work Visa tied to genuine labour shortages.

Under the proposal, migrant workers would be admitted for identified occupations and regions where employers could demonstrate a need for overseas labour.

The party argues the changes would give New Zealand workers greater priority while allowing businesses to recruit migrants for positions that cannot reasonably be filled locally.

New Zealand First has also proposed increasing Working for Families assistance and lifting the minimum wage by at least the rate of inflation each year over the next parliamentary term.

Its Working for Families proposal would retain the temporary $50 weekly increase to the in-work tax credit and provide an additional $70 a week. The party estimates the policy would cost between $500 million and $600 million annually.

Other election promises include lowering the company tax rate from 28 percent to 20 percent for businesses with annual turnover below $30 million, restricting New Zealand Superannuation eligibility to citizens from 2029, and banning the public sale and use of fireworks while allowing approved displays.

Today’s meeting is part of Peters’ nationwide campaign tour.

The party is promoting the gathering with its message of one country, one people, one flag and one law for all.

The meeting is scheduled for 2pm at the James Hay Theatre, Christchurch Town Hall, 86 Kilmore Street.

Members of the public can register through the New Zealand First website⁠.