Former NZ First MP Richard Prosser dies suddenly in the UK, aged 55

Richard Prosser when he was a NZ First MP during question time in Parliament in 2013. Photo / Mark MItchell

Controversial former NZ First MP Richard Prosser has reportedly died at the age of 55 in Britain.

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters said Prosser represented the party as a list MP in Waimakariri between 2011 and 2017.

"It is with sadness that we have learnt of the sudden passing in the UK of ... Richard Prosser," Peters said.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family at this sad and challenging time."

Former NZ First deputy leader Tracey Martin said she hoped people would think of his two young daughters.

"He has two little girls. No matter what Richard did or was, I hope people think of them," Martin said.

Radio Central reported on Facebook it was saddened to learn of the sudden death of "friend and UK correspondent Richard Prosser".

"Richard was a lovely, clever man and I will miss him greatly," it said.

"Please, please, please, open up to someone, anyone, if you have feelings of despair.
There's always someone who can help and there's always someone who loves and needs you."

The Counterspin website, one of New Zealand's biggest online platforms for anti-vaccination campaigners and conspiracy theories, said: "After hearing the sad news in our chat, we can confirm that Richard Prosser has left us after a long battle with depression."

Prosser entered Parliament as a NZ First list MP in 2011. Soon afterwards it emerged he had previously been advocating for banning the burqa in New Zealand in an article for Investigate magazine.

He released a book outlining his political views called Uncommon Dissent in 2012, in which he claimed that New Zealand and Western society had been "hijacked by a conspiracy of Silly Little Girls".

His most controversial moment as an MP was his "Wogistan" comment the following year.

Writing for Investigate magazine, Prosser stated: "If you are a young male, aged between say about 19 and about 35, and you're a Muslim, or you look like a Muslim, or you come from a Muslim country, then you are not welcome to travel on any of the West's airlines."

Prosser further stated the rights of New Zealanders were being "denigrated by a sorry pack of misogynist troglodytes from Wogistan, threatening our way of life and security of travel in the name of their stone age religion, its barbaric attitudes towards women, democracy, and individual choice".

In May 2020 Prosser claimed the Covid-19 pandemic was a global conspiracy intended to transfer greater power to financial and political elites.

WHERE TO GET HELP:

If you are worried about your or someone else's mental health, the best place to get help is your GP or local mental health provider. However, if you or someone else is in danger or endangering others, call police immediately on 111.

OR IF YOU NEED TO TALK TO SOMEONE ELSE:

• LIFELINE: 0800 543 354 or 09 5222 999 within Auckland (available 24/7)
• SUICIDE CRISIS HELPLINE: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
• YOUTHLINE: 0800 376 633 ,free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat.
• NEED TO TALK? Free call or text 1737 (available 24/7)
• KIDSLINE: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)
• WHATSUP: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm)
• DEPRESSION HELPLINE: 0800 111 757
• SAMARITANS – 0800 726 666.