In a spirited display of camaraderie, several male National MPs have taken to social media to show off their own post-Budget outfits in support of Finance Minister Nicola Willis, following recent criticism of her wardrobe choice.
The pushback comes after The New Zealand Herald published remarks from an Auckland-based fashion designer who took issue with Willis not wearing a New Zealand label on Budget Day. In response, Willis stated that the focus of Budget Day should remain on government policies, not attire.
To reinforce that message—and inject a bit of humor—Willis’ male colleagues have posted tongue-in-cheek videos performing what younger audiences call “fit checks,” highlighting their suits, shirts, socks, and even accessories.
Minister Chris Bishop, a close ally of Willis, was one of the first to post a video. Standing outside the Beehive as Parliament rushed through key Budget 2025 legislation, Bishop lamented, “Nobody has asked what I’m wearing.”
He then launched into his outfit breakdown: a “lovely blue tie” from France, a “classic” blue shirt from 3 Wise Men, and a grey suit from Harford Menswear—though he suspects it’s by Rembrandt, a Wellington-based brand established in 1946. His shoes, also from 3 Wise Men, could use a polish, he quipped. Socks? Likely “standard issue black” from H&M.
With a grin, Bishop closed his segment: “There you have it—that’s what I’m wearing in post-Budget urgency.”
Inspired by Bishop’s video, Wairarapa MP Mike Butterick—a sheep and beef farmer—surprised viewers with a well-executed series of interviews focusing on his colleagues’ outfits.
His first subject was Northland MP and fellow farmer Grant McCallum, who referenced JFK’s famous quip: “Nobody wonders what Lyndon and I wear.” McCallum showcased a cow-themed tie made in the U.S., a suit from Working Style, and proudly displayed a badge for New Zealand Music Month. His socks, he revealed, were from Rodd & Gunn and paired with Wellington-sourced leather shoes.
Butterick kept the tone light, joking, “We’ll stay away from the jocks, what about the socks?”
Next up was Whanganui MP Carl Bates, lounging casually on a couch in Parliament. He confessed he was “borrowing” his tie from fellow MP Tim Costley and expressed pride in his R.M. Williams boots, which he claimed use leather from Whanganui.
Bates added a personal twist with green socks bearing the phrase: “Ain’t no bad joke like a dad joke.” “I think my kids agree,” he laughed, prompting Butterick to warn, “Most kids disagree when they get older, Carl.”
Bates praised his shirt—ironed, he confirmed—but avoided revealing anything more intimate. “Won’t worry about the jocks,” Butterick interjected, to which Bates agreed.
He did, however, mention that his singlet was Merino wool, prompting Butterick to approve: “Oh, we like that.”
Ilam MP Hamish Campbell also joined the lineup, presenting his 3 Wise Men suit and acknowledging that his purple tie was “probably a bit old.” He paired the look with a Barkers pocket handkerchief and boots, again from 3 Wise Men.
“But of course,” Campbell noted, “the most important thing is what’s inside, not what someone’s wearing.”
Butterick echoed the familiar refrain: “We’ll stay away from jocks,” to which Campbell nodded in agreement.
Outside of the National Party, ACT leader David Seymour also commented via social media. He questioned whether a male politician would be scrutinized as much as Willis for their clothing, before revealing his own Budget Day suit was “made in NZ by someone born overseas.”
While playful in nature, these videos from male MPs serve a larger purpose: supporting Finance Minister Nicola Willis and highlighting the often-gendered scrutiny women in politics face. With wit, charm, and a touch of sartorial pride, National’s male MPs have turned a fashion critique into a moment of solidarity—and a reminder that policy, not clothing, should be the focus on Budget Day.
Related Topics
- Breaking the Denim Binary: When Jeans Finally Fit Right
- Top Men’s Shirts to Pack for a Stylish Summer Vacation
- Flip-Flops Redefined: The Statement Footwear of Summer 2025
