In the lead-up to New Zealand's 2026 general election, a bombshell statement from a prominent political figure has ignited fresh debate about the stability of the current coalition government. Chris Finlayson, the former National Party Member of Parliament and high-ranking cabinet minister, has publicly called for his old party to declare 'war' on New Zealand First (NZ First), labeling the minor partner as an 'excrescence' and the 'enemy.' This extraordinary outburst comes amid mounting tensions within the National-ACT-NZ First coalition, particularly following a controversial release of internal emails that exposed divisions at the top levels of government.

Finlayson's comments, made during an interview on RNZ's Morning Report on April 30, 2026, reflect deep frustration with the coalition dynamics. He urged National to 'extricate themselves from this grisly coalition,' questioning whether the arrangement would survive until the November election. His words have resonated widely, tapping into long-standing perceptions of NZ First's disruptive influence in past governments and highlighting voter fatigue with what he described as 'low-level stupidity' distracting from pressing issues like the cost of living and soaring airfares.

Chris Finlayson's Fiery Call to Arms

Chris Finlayson did not mince words. 'I have no time for NZ First,' he declared, calling the party an 'excrescence'—a term evoking an abnormal growth—and insisting it was time for National to treat them as 'the enemy.' He argued that every major party that deals with NZ First encounters 'nonsense,' and things 'go sour very quickly.' Finlayson echoed former Labour Prime Minister Helen Clark's observation that National and NZ First are now 'eating one another for votes,' a cannibalistic rivalry that undermines the government's effectiveness.

His critique extended to the coalition's longevity: 'I wonder whether this thing will go full term. It just seems to me every time New Zealand First is in government, you get these kinds of sideshows. Are they acting in the public good, in the national interest? Well, I don't think they ever have.' Finlayson emphasized that Kiwis are 'sick of it,' prioritizing everyday concerns over political drama. He positioned himself humbly as a 'FIP'—formerly important person—washed up on strategic questions, but his voice carries weight given his insider status.

Who is Chris Finlayson? A Profile of the Former Powerbroker

Christopher Francis Finlayson, born in 1956, entered Parliament in 2005 as a list MP for the National Party. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming Attorney-General in 2008 under Prime Minister John Key—a role he held until 2017. Finlayson also served as Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations, overseeing landmark settlements that resolved historical grievances between the Crown and iwi. His tenure saw over 70 agreements signed, totaling billions in redress, earning praise for pragmatic progress on co-governance and Māori rights.

Beyond legal portfolios, Finlayson managed Arts, Culture and Heritage, and briefly the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) and Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB). Known for his sharp intellect and occasional wit, he retired in 2018 to return to legal practice as a King's Counsel. Finlayson has remained vocal on Treaty matters, recently criticizing the current government's proposed changes to Treaty clauses as 'damaging' and urging caution on Māori policy. His establishment credentials make his attack on NZ First particularly stinging for National leader Christopher Luxon.

The Spark: The Iran Emails Controversy

The immediate catalyst for Finlayson's intervention was the release of internal government emails under the Official Information Act (OIA). On April 28, 2026, Winston Peters' office disclosed correspondence revealing Luxon's initial preference for New Zealand to publicly support US and Israeli strikes on Iran amid escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. However, Foreign Minister Peters intervened, steering the country toward a more neutral stance of 'acknowledging' the action without endorsement.

Peters admitted the release was a 'mistake,' citing a failure to consult Luxon's office beforehand—a breach of the 'no surprises' doctrine. National figures were incensed. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Nicola Willis labeled Peters 'very, very confused,' while Transport Minister Simeon Brown accused him of putting 'politics ahead of the national interest.' The episode unfolded against a US invitation for New Zealand to contribute to reopening the Strait of Hormuz, with Luxon insisting any involvement would require Cabinet approval and a sustainable ceasefire. For more on the emails, see the detailed RNZ coverage.

Building Tensions: A Timeline of Coalition Flashpoints

The Iran spat is just the latest in a series of rifts. Since forming in late 2023 after National's election win, the coalition has navigated policy minefields:

• India Free Trade Agreement (April 2026): NZ First's Shane Jones warned of a 'butter chicken tsunami' of immigration, clashing with Luxon's pro-trade stance.
• Modern Slavery Bill: ACT blocked Cabinet consideration for over a year, frustrating partners.
• Overseas Money Transfer Bill: National opposed a measure backed by NZ First and ACT.
• Overdose Amnesty Bill: ACT supported a Green MP's initiative at first reading, irking conservatives.
• Luxon's Confidence Vote (April 2026): The PM called a caucus vote on his leadership amid rumors, without informing Peters, prompting accusations of 'mischief-making' from Willis.

These incidents illustrate a 'three-legged stool' wobbling under uneven weight, as Peters described it. Luxon and Peters held crisis talks post-emails, with the PM noting Peters 'acknowledged he had made a mistake.'

Historical Context: National and NZ First's Rocky Past

NZ First, founded by Winston Peters in 1993, has a history of kingmaker volatility. It propped up National in 1996 but collapsed amid scandals. In 2017, Peters chose Labour over National despite special deals, leading Finlayson to quip in his valedictory: 'Thank you very much for not choosing the National Party in 2017. I think we dodged a bullet.' The current coalition revives that fraught dynamic, with Peters' maverick style clashing against National's corporate discipline.

Finlayson's disdain echoes broader establishment views. Former Labour Foreign Minister Phil Goff called the email release 'no mistake,' seeing it as Luxon's weakness. Helen Clark attributed it to a 'stuff up,' but wondered if the coalition would 'last much beyond the Budget.'

Party Responses and Internal National Dynamics

National leadership downplayed the drama. Chris Bishop, former campaign chair, called the coalition 'a very stable thing,' noting doomsayers have been wrong so far. Simeon Brown echoed stability 'as long as principles are upheld.' However, Willis' admission of unpredictability with Peters reveals private exasperation.

Opposition parties pounced. Labour and Greens highlighted government dysfunction, while ACT's David Seymour stayed neutral. Finlayson's intervention, from a respected Tory elder, amplifies internal pressure on Luxon to distance from Peters ahead of polls.

Public Reaction and Social Media Buzz

On platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Finlayson's comments trended, with users debating coalition collapse. Posts ranged from 'Finally, someone says it' to defenses of Peters as a principled patriot. Reddit threads in r/nzpolitics and r/newzealand dissected the emails, with many viewing NZ First as a liability. No fresh polls emerged, but anecdotal sentiment suggests voter exhaustion with infighting amid economic woes—inflation above target, fuel spikes from Middle East unrest, and Budget anticipation.

Implications for the 2026 Election

Six months from polling day, Finlayson's salvo raises stakes. A coalition implosion could trigger a snap election, benefiting Labour if National appears weak. Luxon faces a dilemma: ruling out post-election NZ First ties risks immediate fallout; embracing them alienates moderates. For deeper analysis, check The Spinoff's breakdown.

Voters prioritize bread-and-butter issues: housing affordability, grocery prices, and travel costs exacerbated by global events. Sideshows like this erode trust, potentially boosting minor parties or a resurgent Labour.

Treaty Legacy and Finlayson's Māori Policy Warnings

Finlayson's Treaty expertise adds layers. He recently slammed proposed changes diluting Treaty clauses to mere 'take into account' obligations across nine Acts, warning of 'damaging effects' on legal certainty and iwi relations. This aligns with his call to refocus on substance over drama.

Outlook: Stability or Splinter?

While National insists on unity, Finlayson's war cry signals deepening fissures. The coalition's survival hinges on navigating the Budget and foreign policy minefields without further leaks or clashes. For New Zealanders, the real question is whether politicians will heed the call to prioritize national interest over partisan games. As Finlayson put it, Kiwis deserve better than 'low-level stupidity'—a sentiment likely to echo through the campaign.