NZ Finance Minister Condemned For Wearing A Dress On Budget Day

WELLINGTON, NZ – Finance Minister Nicola Willis triggered a firestorm by wearing a dress during her 2025 Budget announcement, drawing attention from an unlikely coalition of critics.

The rainbow community slammed the choice, arguing the dress misrepresented women given the budget’s manly focus on tax cuts and infrastructure. “This budget screams bloke energy—roads, rigs, and taxes. A dress feels like a betrayal of its vibe,” said Rainbow NZ spokesperson Alex Turei.

Feminists echoed the outrage, claiming Willis’ attire reinforced outdated gender norms. “She’s presenting a macho fiscal plan while dressed like a stereotype. It’s confusing,” said Women’s Voice chair Lena Kaur. The fashion industry also piled on, insisting Willis’ frame suited a “powerful, masculine look.” Designer Claude Merton explained, “A boring dark suit would’ve sold the budget better.”

Even the indigenous leaders felt betrayed. “The reason she was not wearing a kahu huruhuru because he genuinely forgot to include us in her budget” said Maori Queen Te Puhi Ariki Ngāwai Hono i te Pō Paki. “We forgive her though.”

At publishing time, the Greens are expected to protest her dress code next week in Parliament by wearing blue dresses.