Winston Peters is largely sticking to his tried and tested political script, despite his long absence from the public spotlight

In a speech to New Zealand First supporters this afternoon, Mr Peters took aim at 'the woke' as well as his usual political rivals.

But much of his 40 minute speech was dedicated to his opposition to the Government increasingly using Maori names

Mr Peters is questioning when the last time a Government initiative used an English name, rather than one in Maori, for a new department.

He is also critical of 'Aotearoa' being used instead of 'New Zealand'.