Winston Peters criticizes RNZ host during gender definition bill debate

Deputy Prime Minister and New Zealand First leader Winston Peters’ interview with RNZ's Morning Report host Corin Dann on April 23, 2025, generated news for a reason which was less about the topic and more about their fiery interaction.

The discussion centered on a proposed bill by New Zealand First to legally define "woman" as "an adult human biological female." This legislation aims to amend existing laws to reflect this definition. If the proposed bill becomes a law, then it would define women and men based on biological characteristics, excluding trans women and men from legal recognition.


During the interview, Dann questioned Peters about criticisms from Labour and the Green Party, suggesting that the bill might be an attempt to divert attention from domestic issues. In response, Peters accused Dann of promoting the perspectives of New Zealand First's political opponents and labeled him an "arrogant wokester loser." He further criticized RNZ, questioning the value of its public funding.

Peters told presenter and journalist Corin Dann, "You're paid for by the taxpayer, and sooner or later we're going to cut that water off too, because you're an abuse on the taxpayer."

He went on to argue that the bill provides clarity and aligns with "biological reality".

However, opponents, including Labour leader Chris Hipkins, have criticised the bill as a distraction from pressing national concerns such as the cost of living and healthcare.

Hipkins said Peters crossed a line with his personal attack on Dann, and it went against both the spirit and the letter of the law.

"Threatening a media entity that is statutorily independent with cutting their funding because you don't like the way you get an interview is utterly unacceptable for any minister," he said. ‘I think it is now time for the Prime Minister to do something about that,' he added

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has not publicly addressed Peters' comments.

In the wake of the interview, RNZ defended its host, emphasizing the importance of journalistic integrity and the role of the media in holding public figures accountable. The funding allocations for RNZ and TVNZ, New Zealand’s state-funded broadcasters, will be announced in the May 22 Budget, which sets out the government’s spending plans for the coming year.