Party Leader

Peter Dunne

Hon. Peter Dunne has been a Member of Parliament since 1984, and holds the northwest Wellington electorate of Ohariu. Peter is one of New Zealand's most experienced and respected MPs, having held Ministerial portfolios in both Labour-led and National-led Governments.

Currently the Minister of Revenue and the Associate Minister of Health, Peter has previously held Ministerial responsibility for the Environment, Justice and Internal Affairs. His depth of knowledge in such diverse areas has led to Peter being widely regarded and respected by those across the political spectrum, community groups and the wider electorate.

Peter is renowned for his excellent oratory skills and down-to-earth approach to issues. When Peter Dunne talks, people listen. When he set up United Future to be a permanent centre party and steadying influence on Government in the new MMP era, few doubted he would succeed. Indeed, by the 2008 election, Peter will have been the support partner to Labour and National governments for 9 of the 12 years MMP has been in place.

Reinforcing this reputation as the MP who ‘gets things done’, Peter and United Future secured huge policy wins from the current confidence and supply agreement with the Labour Government. With Peter at the helm as Minister of Revenue, he has already overseen the first business tax-cuts in two decades – worth $3.4 billion, and has made all donations to charities tax deductible – great news for the voluntary sector!

Peter says the overriding ambition for him and United Future, “is to make New Zealand the best place in the world to live and raise a family, the world's first truly successful multi-ethnic nation, where every citizen, whatever their background, race or creed is recognised as bringing a positive feature to our national table, and where all have the chance to enjoy everything that is good in our country.”