Powerbrokers Debate Highlights

Party leaders clashed over housing affordability, family violence and potential political alliances during the NZ Herald's Powerbrokers' Debate.

Bridge's 'Zip It, Sweeties' Remark

Ryan Bridge borrowed a memorable line from former National Party deputy leader Paula Bennett to interrupt David Seymour and Qiulae Wong's debate over housing policy.

“zip it sweeties”

Peters on Childhood Smacking

Winston Peters defended being smacked as a child during an exchange over New Zealand’s anti-smacking law, saying he 'thoroughly deserved' the discipline.

“i thoroughly deserved them make no bones about it”

Seymour's Grammar Jab

David Seymour corrected Marama Davidson's grammar during a discussion about family violence, calling it a 'low blow' from the boy scout.

“low blow from the boy scout over here”

Peters on Luxon's 'Yahoo' Remark

Winston Peters dismissed Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's remark about not needing a 'yahoo or numpty' from another party as 'inexperience' rather than a backhander.

“that s just inexperience”

Peters on Retirement

Winston Peters shut down questions about retirement, stating he 'remains on a mission' and would prove political polls wrong.

“i don t come here to talk about private matters do you mind”

Wong vs Seymour on Housing

Qiulae Wong defended Opportunity’s land tax and citizen’s income policies as helping housing affordability, while David Seymour challenged their consistency with Opportunity’s policy document.

“no it doesn t it s on our policy document david”

Peters on Child Discipline

Winston Peters argued classrooms had become increasingly difficult to control, defending his childhood smacking experience as 'thoroughly deserved'.

“i got a few smackings and guess what i thoroughly deserved them”

Peters on Coalition Partners

Winston Peters stated his party would 'keep on trying' with coalition partners despite past bitter experiences with government.

“we may not always get it right but we ll keep on trying”

Seymour's Grammar Correction

David Seymour corrected Marama Davidson's grammar during a discussion about family violence, calling it a 'low blow' from the boy scout.

“hopefully with better grammar too”

Peters on Family Violence

Winston Peters discussed family violence policies, emphasizing the need for discipline in children without violence.

“we can be a country that doesn t violent our children”

Wong on Housing Policy

Qiulae Wong defended Opportunity’s proposed land tax and citizen’s income as helping young New Zealanders get on the property ladder.

“it would help make housing more affordable”

Seymour's Policy Challenge

David Seymour challenged Qiulae Wong’s answers on housing policy, suggesting they contradicted Opportunity’s own policy document.

“no it doesn t it s on our policy document david”

Peters on Anti-Smacking Law

Winston Peters defended the anti-smacking law, arguing classrooms had become increasingly difficult to control.

“i got a few smackings and guess what i thoroughly deserved them”

Bridge's Intervention

Ryan Bridge interrupted David Seymour and Qiulae Wong’s debate with a memorable line from former National Party deputy leader Paula Bennett.

“zip it sweeties”