Winston Peters makes first public appearance since his party’s loss on election night

Winston Peters has made his first public appearance since his party's loss on election night.

Along with other former NZ First MPs, Peters attended the funeral of Ngāpuhi leader, and Labour life member, Rudy Taylor.

Taylor, a key player in progressing the Ngāpuhi treaty claim, died on Sunday. 

Former NZ First MP Shane Jones today acknowledged Taylor's contribution to politics.

"We're here today for a fellow Ngāpuhi, and fellow Te Tai Tokerau identity, who is gone well before his time," Jones said.

"Indeed for both of us, it's the first time we have spoken in a public space, but hey, life in politics."

Jones also addressed the future of NZ First, after the party failed to return to Parliament.

"Let's just wait and see, let the dust settle," he said.

"There are a lot of issues to address, not the least enabling the new regime to settle in and let's look at what the first Budget is that they pass." 

The tangihanga for Rudy Taylor concludes tomorrow with his burial.