New Zealand First deputy leader Shane Jones has defended controversial comments made during the party’s election campaign launch, telling Radio Waatea’s Dale Husband that the widely reported “knee bending” remark represented only a single line in a much broader speech focused on New Zealand’s future.
The interview ranged across immigration, changing demographics, regional economic development, offshore energy exploration and the Bay of Plenty’s emerging aquaculture sector, highlighting the themes likely to define New Zealand First’s campaign heading into the 2026 General Election.
Jones rejected suggestions that the “knee bending” comment should define the party’s message, arguing it had been taken out of the broader context of his address.
The campaign launch focused heavily on nationalism, economic self-reliance, regional investment and immigration policy, while also reaffirming New Zealand First’s emphasis on national identity and sovereignty. The speech drew significant political attention following comments directed at migration and the Prime Minister’s visit to India.
During the interview, Dale Husband challenged Jones on whether such rhetoric risked overshadowing the party’s wider economic and regional development agenda.
Jones also reflected on New Zealand’s changing population, describing demographic change as one of the defining issues facing the country.
The discussion explored how migration continues to reshape communities and what New Zealand First believes is an appropriate balance between attracting skilled workers and maintaining social cohesion and national identity.
Husband questioned whether the party’s messaging resonated with communities experiencing rapid demographic change while also probing how Māori fit within that broader national conversation.
The interview also touched on the growing number of former Labour supporters and senior figures who have aligned themselves with New Zealand First during the current election cycle.
Among the most notable recent defections is former Labour Minister Rino Tirikatene, whose decision to stand with New Zealand First has fuelled debate about changing political loyalties within Māori politics.
Husband asked whether the party’s appeal was broadening beyond its traditional voter base as disillusionment grows among some voters seeking an alternative political home.
Energy policy formed another major part of the discussion.
Over the weekend, New Zealand First unveiled plans to campaign on a $1 billion National Subsurface Development Survey, aimed at mapping New Zealand’s offshore energy resources and expanding future oil and gas exploration. The party argues the proposal is central to improving energy security, strengthening economic resilience and supporting future export growth.
Jones defended renewed investment in petroleum exploration as a pragmatic response to New Zealand’s long-term energy needs, while acknowledging that the proposal has generated criticism from environmental groups concerned about climate change and fossil fuel development.
The conversation highlighted the contrasting visions emerging ahead of the election, with New Zealand First arguing domestic energy production remains essential for economic growth, while opponents advocate accelerating investment in renewable energy.
Despite the political debate, Jones returned repeatedly to regional development, particularly the economic opportunities emerging through aquaculture.
He pointed to the recent aquaculture settlement with Te Moana-a-Toi iwi, describing it as a transformational opportunity for the Bay of Plenty. The agreement provides for significant new aquaculture space and is intended to support Māori economic development, workforce growth and regional prosperity over the coming decade.
Jones said aquaculture has the potential to generate long-term employment, strengthen regional industries and expand Māori participation in one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing primary sectors.
The interview reflected the increasingly sharp contrasts emerging as political parties position themselves for the election campaign.
Immigration, energy security, regional investment and economic development remain central themes for New Zealand First, while debate continues over how those priorities intersect with climate policy, demographic change and New Zealand’s place in an increasingly interconnected world.
For voters, the conversation underscored the broader questions likely to dominate the months ahead: how to grow the economy, manage population change, develop regional New Zealand and balance prosperity with environmental responsibility.
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