[3] It appears that the formation of Young NZ First was driven by the party's leader, Winston Peters.
The youth wing apparently influenced the party to promise to forgive student debt to graduates who remained in New Zealand for five years, and to reduce use of anti-immigration and "race-baiting rhetoric" that had been used in previous campaigns.
[2] A key early figure in the organisation was Curwen Rolinson, who was elected to the party's board of directors at age 20, became the public face of Young NZ First, and had a close relationship with the party's leader, Winston Peters.
This led to problems when Rolinson was cited by media as being the leader of the NZ First youth wing, despite such a thing not officially existing.
[2] Today, New Zealand First has a permanent position on its board assigned to be filled by a member of Young NZ First.
Board member Julie Carr said in 2019 that this is "because they are inexperienced with political matters and need to be guided and mentored in their role”.
[5][better source needed] Previous leaders have included Jay McLaren-Harris[6] and Robert Gore.
But we expect a degree of common decency and politeness.” When asked to confirm he would have no objection to someone identifying as "alt-right" joining, he said "The problem is, I don’t even know what that label means.