NZ First proposes stripping voting rights from permanent residents and visa holders

Winston Peters announced on 5 July that NZ First would push to restrict voting to citizens only. Currently, permanent residents and people on work or study visas who have lived here at least a year can vote. Peters frames citizenship as distinct from permanent residence—a formal bond of allegiance and democratic authority. Implementing the policy would require amending electoral law and could draw scrutiny under the Bill of Rights Act.