Tensions inside the coalition government are continuing to spill into public view, with New Zealand First leader Winston Peters taking aim at Prime Minister Christopher Luxon over immigration policy and comments linked to the India free trade agreement.
The latest political clash follows remarks from Luxon about taking a careful approach to immigration, while also backing trade arrangements expected to increase movement between New Zealand and India. Peters questioned the consistency of that position as debate intensifies around migration settings ahead of the 2026 election campaign.
The disagreement adds to growing strains between coalition partners National and New Zealand First, with recent public exchanges highlighting divisions over leadership, immigration and economic direction.
Luxon has previously argued that high migration levels place pressure on infrastructure and housing, while also supporting targeted immigration to fill workforce shortages and strengthen economic growth.
Peters has increasingly positioned New Zealand First as taking a harder line on immigration and national identity issues as the government moves deeper into election year politics.
The public disagreement comes after earlier friction between the coalition partners over Luxon’s leadership vote inside the National caucus, foreign policy disagreements and debates around economic priorities.
Political commentators say the increasingly sharp exchanges between senior ministers signal coalition parties are beginning to differentiate themselves publicly as campaigning for the 2026 general election ramps up.
