Shane Jones immigration controversy: ‘I am cut off by hyperbole’: New Zealand minister Shane Jones refuses to tone down ‘butter chicken tsunami’ comment
The deputy leader of New Zealand First said on Wednesday that colleagues in Parliament had urged him to tone down his language, but he made it clear he would not change his approach.“I tend to get into debates by saying exaggerated things,” Jones said, according to 1News. He said immigration would be a major issue in the next election.The comments, made during an interview on Reality Check Radio, were aimed at the proposed free trade agreement with India.Jones said he would “never… agree to a butter chicken tsunami coming to New Zealand”, warning that the deal could lead to “unbridled immigration” and pressure on public services.Before saying the racist comment, he said, “I don’t care how much criticism I get,” arguing that immigration has had “a lot of negative impacts.”
Response from community and political leaders
The comments have drawn sharp criticism from Indian community leaders and opposition politicians. According to 1News, Jaspreet Kandari said the comments “fall below the standard of public discussion” and have upset members of the community.He clarified that the agreement would allow about 5,000 migrants over three years, calling the number “very insignificant” and dismissing fears of mass immigration.Opposition MP Priyanka Radhakrishnan described the comments as “blatant racism”, while Auckland Indian Association president Shanti Patel said they were “incredibly worrying”, news agency AFP reported.Prime Minister Christopher Luxon also distanced himself from the comments, calling them “inappropriate” and “dangerous”, although he stopped short of explicitly labeling them racist.The dispute comes as New Zealand prepares to sign a major free trade deal with India, in what the government has described as a “once in a generation” opportunity.However, New Zealand First has opposed the deal, raising concerns over immigration and economic commitments.Divisions within the ruling coalition mean the government may need the support of the opposition Labor Party to pass legislation.