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NZ First frontman Winston Peters was pictured today taking a sneaky smoking break on the University of Otago’s Dunedin campus, breaking his no-smoking rules.
Video of Deputy Prime Minister taking a cheeky puff in front of a no smoking sign, along with Young NZ First Executive Member Robert Griffith and NZ First MP and Taieri candidate Mark Patterson, circulates on social media with him motto “Apparently the smoke-free policy only applies to some.”
The three in the video are smoking in the alley between the Robertson Library and the Owheo Building near Union St East just after 1pm today.
The post has resulted in mixed opinions with some supporting Peters, saying that he has already said that a smoke-free New Zealand would never work and that the people should not be dictated.
But others were outraged by his “arrogant” disregard for the rules.
The person who took the video commented online that Peters security noticed that he was filming them and says something to the leader of NZ First before everyone leaves. They also seem to hide their cigarettes from view.
According to the University of Otago website, all of its campuses have been smoke-free since January 1, 2014.
A university spokesperson said Peters was on the Dunedin campus to participate in Vote 2020, a question-and-answer session led by students from the Department of Politics.
Staff were unaware of the violation, so they did not speak to Peters about it.
However, the spokesperson said it promotes a healthy environment for all staff and students that includes a smoke-free environment.
The policy prohibits anyone from smoking on any University of Otago campus and this applies to anyone on its campuses for any reason, including University of Otago employees, students, visitors, contractors, volunteers, and research participants.
Peters has been reached for comment.
The man who posted the video, Nick Meek, notes in his bio that he is a professional practice fellow at the University of Otago.
“Apparently, the smoke-free campus only applies to some,” he writes.
Meek has been contacted for comment.
In 2018, as acting prime minister, Peters said that tobacco prices were leading to murders and assaults on dairy farms.
– NZ Herald and Hamish MacLean
