After further comments, Jones referred to himself as “an earthy, humorous, but red-blooded tough New Zealand First politician”. But his leader, Peters, said Jones could have phrased his comments differently. These migrants come from a broad range of countries, including India.”Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick said NZ First was “ramping up its racist rhetoric” as it “really, really wants the spotlight”. It also comes after claims Peters made racist remarks in Parliament yesterday, an accusation he has dismissed as “total humbug”. On Wednesday, Peters dismissed comments from the Indian High Commissioner to New Zealand about the FTA as “she’s not a trained lawyer”.

Source: New Zealand Herald February 19, 2026 05:42 UTC