New Zealand First leader Winston Peters says some people in the business of “elitism” are playing the “guilt game”, which is of no help to the ordinary person in society.

“The ordinary European, the ordinary Maori or the ordinary anybody in New Zealand,” he told Sky News host Andrew Bolt.

“Because their number one priorities, which are human and necessary, are overlooked for these culture cancellation programs.”

Peters says the Labour government is in “serious trouble” and there will be “significant shifts” going forward.

“The moral of the story to anybody who is concerned about the shape and character and pathway down which New Zealand is going – is it’s no time to sit on your laurels or sit on your fingers – it’s now or never.”