New Zealand First MP Shane Jones is now the party’s official deputy leader, having been widely considered the party’s de facto number two for years. 

NZ First leader Winston Peters said in a statement the party’s caucus had unanimously elected Jones, a former Labour minister, as the deputy leader. 

“Shane has shown himself to be a relentless hard worker, loyal, [demonstrating] unquestionable passion for our country and a megaphone for New Zealand First’s views and principles,” Peters said. 

NZ First has not had a deputy leader since Fletcher Tabuteau held the role while in Government between 2017-2020. 

Since then, Peters acted as leader without an official deputy, even though Jones was often referred to as the party’s number two. 

Peters referenced this in his statement. 

“Throughout this term Shane has already been seen, and reported on, as the ‘de facto deputy leader’. 

“This is due to the standing he has within caucus and the leadership he has shown not only in his portfolios but within the wider membership.” 

Peter argued Jones as deputy would provide “certainty, direction and structure” ahead of the 2026 election. 

Adam Pearse is the Deputy Political Editor and part of the NZ Herald’s Press Gallery team based at Parliament in Wellington. He has worked for NZME since 2018, reporting for the Northern Advocate in Whangārei and the Herald in Auckland.