New Zealand First leader Winston Peters speaks at the Clubs of Marlborough, in Blenheim.

Republican candidate Donald Trump could take the presidency next week because of a growing disconnect between people and the political elite, the New Zealand First leader says.

Winston Peters made the claim at a Marlborough Chamber of Commerce event on Thursday, which he used as a platform to discuss his views on immigration.

"We're in the centre of New Zealand's famous wine growing region," he said.

CARLO ALLEGRI Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has promised to 'Make America great again'.

"On Tuesday, in America, we're going to witness the grapes of wrath.

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"That's what happens when the views of the general public are ignored, dismissed and brushed aside on fundamental issues, setting the scene for deep fault lines to emerge in a society between the people and those who govern them."

Peters, the Member of Parliament for Northland, said events in the United Kingdom, with the vote to leave the European Union, and the rise of Trump were symptomatic of elected officials and pundits not listening to the general public.

The New Zealand First leader told those gathered at the Clubs of Marlborough that he had been asked to support the 'Leave' campaign in the UK, which was characterised by disgruntlement over immigration.

According to Peters he was probably the only foreign politician to join the campaign, which resulted in what he described as the political equivalent of a magnitude 8 earthquake.

New Zealand had almost four times the level of immigration of the UK before the Brexit vote, Peters said.

"The consequence of this reckless and irresponsible flood of migrants is as plain as daylight to the public," he said.

"We've got no issue with the people, it's the policy that's wrong.

"We understand why people want to improve their lives by coming here but we say the wealth, housing, jobs, healthcare and education of New Zealanders must come first."

Peters said New Zealand First was the only party prepared to discuss issues around immigration, which he said was considered taboo by other parties.

He also criticised coverage around immigration and said he and his party did not need the media because there were other avenues through which they could disseminate their message.