New Zealand First introduces bill to dismantle DEI policies in public service

03/11/2025 / By Laura Harris

New Zealand First has introduced a bill to repeal mandatory diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies in the public service.
The bill targets the Public Service Act of 2020, which requires government departments and agencies to promote workforce diversity and inclusiveness, particularly for M?ori and Pacific employees.
NZ First leader Winston Peters argues that the bill will end “woke left-wing social engineering” and emphasize meritocracy in hiring and promotion.
The Public Service Commission (PSC) has already announced a reduction in DEI teams, citing cost-cutting measures, despite previous commitments to DEI.
Peters seeks to take further action by completely eliminating all DEI roles within the public service, mirroring actions currently being taken in the U.S. under the second Trump administration.

The New Zealand First Party, one of the three parties in New Zealand’s governing coalition, has introduced a controversial bill to remove mandatory “woke” diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies in the public service.

Currently, the Public Service Act of 2020 requires government departments and agencies to work towards a workforce that reflects the diversity of New Zealand.

This act seeks to ensure that DEI efforts are integrated across government agencies. These efforts include setting targets to increase the proportion of Maori and Pacific employees, particularly in leadership roles and prioritizing diverse hiring through targeted recruitment strategies, scholarships and development programs.

The new bill, Public Service (Repeal of Diversity and Inclusiveness Requirements) Amendment Bill, seeks to amend these provisions. If passed, the bill would remove the requirement for the Public Service Commissioner, chief executives and boards to promote diversity and inclusiveness as part of being a “good employer.” It would also eliminate various aspects of diversity and inclusiveness initiatives in the public service, including mandates, considerations and reporting requirements.

“This bill would put an end to the woke left-wing social engineering and diversity targets in the public sector,” NZ First leader and Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters posted on his social media. “New Zealand is a country founded on meritocracy, not on some mind-numbingly stupid ideology.”

“The public service exists to serve New Zealanders, not to be a breeding ground for identity politics,” he said. “Removing woke ‘DEI’ requirements will give the public confidence that the right person is in the right job based on their skills, not their identity.”

This mirrors similar actions taken by the second Trump administration in the United States. (Related: Education Department places 55 employees on paid leave as part of Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle DEI initiatives.)

PSC reduces number of teams responsible for DEI work

Meanwhile, the Public Service Commission (PSC) has announced a reduction in the number of teams responsible for DEI work, citing the need for cost-cutting measures across the public sector.

This contradicts its update in February, stating that DEI is focused on “reflecting and valuing the communities that [the Commission] is here to serve, to build trust and confidence and improve services and outcomes for New Zealanders.”

“When we attract, retain, recognize, value and develop the skills and experiences of people across all dimensions of diversity (e.g. gender, ethnicity, disability, rainbow, age), there are multiple benefits,” the commission said last month.

Visit Wokies.news for more news related to the rampant “woke policies” disrupting government systems.

Watch this NewsNation report discussing the decision of home improvement goods retailer Lowe’s to abolish its DEI policies amid backlash over its race and gender-based hiring practices.

This video is from the Daily Videos channel on Brighteon.com.