New Zealand First leader Winston Peters said turmoil inside the National Party had already damaged its support and distracted the coalition from issues affecting voters.

In an interview with Chris Lynch Media, Peters said the public had not been given the full story about the discussions within National.

“Of course not,” Peters said.

“The very idea that the three and a half hours of talks are going to be disclosed to the public is ridiculous.”

However, Peters acknowledged such discussions were generally kept within political parties and other organisations.

His comments followed National’s internal leadership discussions and the departure of Chris Penk, who lost his ministerial portfolios and is leaving Parliament.

Peters said the situation had been challenging for the coalition as the election approached.

“We have spent considerable days being preoccupied by political parties’ leadership challenges,” he said.

“It is unhelpful when we have got all these critical things that need to be addressed.”

Peters said Penk’s departure was a loss, particularly after he had recently taken over the defence portfolio from Judith Collins and begun building relationships with international partners.

“This is not good for our country. It is not good for stability,” Peters said.

He also questioned Luxon’s claim of unanimous caucus support while Penk was being removed.

“When you say you have got 100 percent unanimous support whilst you are sacking somebody, then you are gainsaying yourself because it is not just him.”

Asked whether the upheaval would damage National in the polls, Peters said the damage had already occurred.

“It already has hurt them in the polls,” he said.

Peters said the Government should instead be concentrating on the economy, the cost of living, energy prices and the cost of doing business.

“We have got to put aside this business. We have got to fix this economy. We have got to fix our country’s future because we have been on a long drag and decline for decades now.”

Peters also dismissed a recent 1News poll showing support for New Zealand First falling while the Opportunity Party gained ground.

He predicted New Zealand First would recover before election day and said the party would focus on issues directly affecting voters.

“We are certain that we can turn these polls around dramatically, and we will,” he said.

Peters argued voters needed to move beyond treating elections as a contest between only National and Labour.

“You gave us a microlight and expected us to fly to the moon. Give us a rocket, and we will fly you to the stars,” he said.

Peters said a stronger vote for New Zealand First would give the party greater influence over the direction of the next Government.