Peters kept from Beehive by infection

WELLINGTON: Acting Prime Minister has revealed infection after a ‘‘serious’’ operation was behind his lengthy absence from Parliament.

The 74yearold New Zealand First leader has been secretive about the operation that put him out of service for four weeks, saying it was a private matter.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in August told media Mr Peters was taking time off after a ‘‘small surgical procedure to address an old leg issue’’ she believed to be related to an old rugby injury.

While Mr Peters has previously rejected reports he had a knee operation, he said yesterday complications had kept him away from the Beehive.

‘‘I went into hospital for a serious operation. I got an infection. That’s what set me back so far,’’ he said

Asked further about it, Mr Peters said: ‘‘It’s none of your business. How about I ask you about your life?’’ he told reporters.

Earlier, he took aim at a new NZ Transport Agency Board member who criticised him on social media and said if he did it again he would be sacked.

But Patrick Reynolds, a former transport blogger, has refused to apologise for calling NZ First a ‘‘personality based’’ party and saying Mr Peters would soon retire.

Mr Peters said Mr Reynolds was ‘‘very, very stupid’’ to have made the comments.

‘‘My message to him would be that’ll be your last outing with your mouth, get on with your job and if we ever hear from you again, we’ll have a new board member on.’’ — The New Zealand Herald