Winston Peters raises concerns over proposed policy changes as government rejects claims and defends ongoing trade negotiations
New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters has alleged that proposed immigration changes linked to the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) could unfairly target Indian nationals, triggering a fresh political dispute within the country’s governing coalition.
Peters, who leads the New Zealand First party, claimed the National Party-led government had made “covert” changes to immigration settings that would disproportionately affect Indians seeking to live, work or study in New Zealand. He argued that the proposed measures risk undermining the spirit of the bilateral trade agreement and could damage relations with India.
The allegations have been strongly rejected by the New Zealand government. Immigration Minister Erica Stanford said no final decisions had been taken and described suggestions of secret policy changes as inaccurate. She confirmed that draft proposals had been circulated among ministers as part of the normal policy-making process but insisted that any future changes would follow established government procedures.
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The disagreement highlights divisions within New Zealand’s coalition government over immigration policy and the implementation of the India-New Zealand FTA
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Peters and his New Zealand First party have consistently expressed concerns that the agreement offers excessive immigration concessions without delivering sufficient benefits for New Zealand, particularly in areas such as dairy exports
India and New Zealand signed the landmark FTA earlier this year after concluding negotiations aimed at expanding bilateral trade and investment. The agreement is expected to improve market access, strengthen commercial ties and encourage greater movement of skilled professionals and students between the two countries, although immigration provisions remain politically sensitive in Wellington.
The latest row has added uncertainty to the domestic political debate surrounding the agreement. However, both governments continue to view the FTA as an important step towards deepening economic cooperation, with no indication that the broader trade partnership is under immediate threat.
