For a party forged out of political division 20 years ago NZ First has certainly had its fair share of controversy and headlines, yet its leader has no intentions of slowing down.

Today NZ First leader Winston Peters will celebrate 20 years of NZ First after deciding to step away from the National Party due to conflicting opinions on economic policies.

New Zealand First Tauranga executive assistant Edwin Perry celebrates the party's 20 year anniversary ahead of Sunday's luncheon. Photo by Daniel Hines.

As a result the party was formed by Winston, along with former members of the then National and Labour parties, on July 18, 1993.

Like any political party, NZ First has experienced its fair share of ups and downs, but this is what keeping a party moving is about, says Winston.

'It means we have amassed a lot of experiences and have a very good support base and when all the new parties have done far worse than we have done or gone into oblivion.”

A controversial party in its own right, NZ First has had 33 MPs and worked in Government with both Labour and National. It's recently made headlines for expelling now Independent Tauranga MP Brendan Horan from its party's caucus last December over allegations he misappropriated money from his late mother.

Ahead of celebrations the charismatic leader admits he is not getting complacent with aims to continue fixing New Zealand's social and economic decline – restoring its status as a fair and opportunistic country.

'There is a lot more work to be done and New Zealand First will rise to the challenge of the next 20 years. Our vision, energy and commitment will be sorely needed.”

'We are a voice of economic sensibility despite being frequently ignored. We set out years ago what our thoughts were where the economy was going and the sad thing is we have been proven to be right and so much of our country is foreign owned now.”

Winston is seriously concerned about New Zealand's 'failed economy”, resulting in much of the country's growth and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ending up in the hands of so few.

During the last two decades NZ First has made major contributions by holding governments to account and preventing the introduction of unacceptable policies such as reducing superannuation.

New Zealand First Tauranga executive assistant Edwin Perry agrees with Winston's sentiments saying the anniversary is a fantastic achievement for the party and for the people of Tauranga City.

Looking back the former list MP for the Wairarapa between 2002 and 2005 believes the party is in good stead heading into next year's elections and the future.

'I have been with the party since its inception. I think we have had our ups and downs but I don't think we have had our ups and downs as dramatic as some small parties.

'And having a charismatic leader like Winston we are going to be there for a long time and so will he.”

Edwin also highlights two significant policies established by the party as a real improvement for the country – the free Health Care for under 6, and looking after pensioners with the SuperGold card.

NZ First is hosting a 20 year anniversary luncheon this Sunday at the Omanu Bowling Club. Tickets are $15 per person and for further information phone Joyce on 577 6305.