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Winston Peters, New Zealand’s veteran politician and current Foreign Minister, remains one of the country’s most influential figures in both politics and public debate.
Peters is estimated to have a personal net worth between NZ $2 million and NZ $5 million, built over decades as a Member of Parliament, a lawyer before politics, and through private investments.
But in 2024 and 2025 it is not only his personal wealth drawing attention – it is his party’s funding, his proposed $100 billion infrastructure fund, and even a high‑profile defamation standoff with an Australian political heavyweight.
A Long Career That Keeps Returning
Born 11 April 1945 in Whangārei, Peters trained as a teacher and lawyer before entering Parliament in 1979. He founded the New Zealand First party in 1993 and has been known as a political “kingmaker,” serving as Deputy Prime Minister three times and holding major portfolios such as Foreign Affairs, Racing and Rail.
At 80, Peters remains at the centre of government as Foreign Minister in Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s coalition.
Donations From New Zealand’s Richest
According to Electoral Commission records reported on 18 September 2023 by Tim Murphy, billionaire Graeme Hart – estimated by the NBR Rich List to be worth about NZ $12 billion – donated NZ $100,000 to New Zealand First in 2023.
This support came despite Hart’s name having surfaced in a 2019 court case over the party’s foundation donations.
Speaking to investigators at the time, Hart said:
“I decided I wished to provide financial support to New Zealand First by way of a donation. This came about after discussions with my extended family.”
Other declared donors include property investor Mark Wyborn with $150,000 and contributions from the estate of Hugh Barr and business figure Trevor Farmer.
These donations helped Peters’ party climb back above the crucial 5 percent MMP threshold in the 2023 election.
A $100 Billion Future Fund Vision
At the New Zealand First conference in Hamilton in October 2024, Peters announced a bold plan to establish a $100 billion “future fund.” He said the fund would be “ring‑fenced from politicians and political interference” and dedicated to long‑term infrastructure.
In an interview with RNZ’s Morning Report on 14 October 2024, Peters explained that the idea was inspired by models in Singapore and Ireland and would not rely on selling state assets.
Instead, he signalled a willingness to offer special tax incentives to attract foreign investment:
“If we give them an attraction special to them, then at least we’ll have this – a huge workforce doing a lot and turning exports around and the economy will benefit like that.”
Diplomatic Storm: Defamation Dispute With Bob Carr
In May 2024, Peters also made headlines across the Tasman after former Australian Foreign Minister Bob Carr announced plans to sue him for defamation.
During a live interview on Radio New Zealand about New Zealand’s position on the AUKUS defence pact, Peters criticised Carr’s comments on the issue, saying:
“What on earth does he think he’s doing walking into our country and telling us what to do? That’s the kind of arrogance we don’t like.”
According to parliamentary records and local media, Peters went further, calling Carr “nothing more than a Chinese puppet.” Carr described the remark as “entirely defamatory.”
Opposition Leader Chris Hipkins responded that Peters had “embarrassed the country” and urged Prime Minister Luxon to stand him down. Luxon declined, saying Peters was “doing an exceptional job” as Foreign Minister.
Peters’ Wealth and Political Influence
Peters’ personal net worth is modest compared to the billionaires backing him, but his political influence and ability to return to power are unmatched in New Zealand’s modern history.
His years as a lawyer and senior minister, combined with property investments, have built steady wealth. His biggest legacy, however, may come through the policy platforms he drives – from the SuperGold Card for seniors to the proposed future fund.
Related Post: To view an overview of Rod Drury’s Net Worth, click here.
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