<\/p>\n
\nNZ First deputy leader Shane Jones
\nPhoto: RNZ \/ Mark Papalii\n<\/p>\n
New Zealand First’s defacto deputy Shane Jones has been awarded the official title by his caucus colleagues, as he promises to broaden the party’s appeal heading into election year.<\/p>\n
The party has not had a formal deputy leader this term, though Jones has often been described by media as such given his seniority and prominence.<\/p>\n
In a surprise statement on Wednesday, leader Winston Peters announced the caucus had unanimously elected Jones to the deputy position.<\/p>\n
“Shane has shown himself to be a relentless hard worker, loyal, demonstrate unquestionable passion for our country, and a megaphone for New Zealand First’s views and principles.”<\/p>\n
It said Jones’ appointment would give the party “certainty, direction and structure” heading into next year’s election campaign.<\/p>\n
Speaking at Parliament on Wednesday afternoon, Jones told reporters the party was taking nothing for granted as it prepared for “an intensely political year”.<\/p>\n
“I want to be in a position to do as much as possible to support Winston. He’s the best campaigner. He knows how to attract a crowd,” Jones said.<\/p>\n
“But I’m going to also broaden the appeal in terms of getting out there into the nooks and crannies.”<\/p>\n
Asked about the timing of the announcement, Jones said: “It’s biblical… a time and season for all things.”<\/p>\n
He said he did not ask for the promotion but quipped that “a certain level of talent rose to the top” and noted it did not come with a pay bump: “A little bit more stress. Who knows?”<\/p>\n
Jones dismissed suggestions his elevation pointed to the party’s succession plan when Peters eventually stepped down.<\/p>\n
“Those matters lie exclusively well into the future. He’s our rangatira, and we want him to lead us to victory at the next election.”<\/p>\n
For his part, Peters scoffed at suggestions the announcement foreshadowed his retirement: “You’ve asked that question, year on, year in, year out.”<\/p>\n
Jones is also the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries, Regional Development, and Resources, and holds associate positions in Energy and Finance.<\/p>\n
He entered in Parliament as a Labour list MP in 2005 and unsuccessfully contested that party’s leadership in 2013. A year later, he resigned to take up a new role as Pacific Economic Ambassador.<\/p>\n
Jones re-entered politics in 2017 as a NZ First MP until 2020, and then again in 2023.<\/p>\n
The announcement comes shortly after NZ First’s annual convention in Palmerston North, where leader Winston Peters predicted a massive political victory next year.<\/p>\n