Given Labour's traditional dominance in the Māori electorates, Wētere held his position without difficulty until his retirement at the 1996 election.

Tamati Reedy, the head of Wētere's department, Te Puni Kokiri, attempted to arrange an unauthorised overseas loan for Māori businesses.

Wētere was the subject of strong attacks over the issue by National Party MP Winston Peters, but denied any wrongdoing.

[6] When Labour lost power in the 1990 election, Wētere returned to opposition for two terms before retiring from politics.

[11] In the 1996 New Year Honours, he was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire, for services to the Māori people.