NZ First senior minister Shane Jones has used a wide-ranging interview with Radio Waatea’s Dale Husband to defend the party’s direction ahead of the General Election, discussing everything from high-profile political recruits and mining policy to the naming of the Government’s new Cook Strait ferries.
The conversation touched on several of the Coalition Government’s most closely watched policy areas, with Jones arguing New Zealand needs stronger economic development, greater investment in regional communities and a renewed focus on projects that generate long-term prosperity.
A significant part of the discussion centred on the growing list of former politicians joining New Zealand First as the party prepares its election campaign.
Jones said the arrival of experienced political figures reflected confidence in the party’s direction and its ability to influence government policy. He argued experienced candidates bring institutional knowledge and practical governance experience at a time when many New Zealanders are seeking stability and decisive leadership.
The interview also focused heavily on mining and mineral exploration, an area where Jones has become one of the Government’s strongest advocates.
He defended the Coalition’s push to expand exploration for minerals considered critical to New Zealand’s economic future, arguing the country has significant untapped natural resources that can support regional employment, exports and economic growth.
Jones said responsible mining can coexist with strong environmental protections, maintaining that New Zealand should not unnecessarily limit opportunities to develop its mineral wealth while demand for critical minerals continues to increase internationally.
The Government has identified mining as a key pillar of its economic strategy, with particular interest in minerals used in renewable energy technologies, advanced manufacturing and infrastructure development.
However, proposals to expand mining activity have attracted significant opposition from environmental organisations, iwi and conservation groups, who argue greater protection should be afforded to public conservation land and ecologically sensitive areas.
Jones has consistently rejected claims that the Government intends to weaken environmental standards, saying development can proceed while maintaining appropriate regulatory oversight.
The interview also covered the Government’s decision to name the replacement Cook Strait ferries Kupe and Cook.
Jones welcomed the names, saying they recognise two of the most significant navigators associated with the history of Aotearoa and the crossing of Te Moana-o-Raukawa. The naming has been promoted by the Government as reflecting both Māori and European maritime heritage while acknowledging the shared history of exploration and navigation.
Then came a lighter moment in the kōrero.
Discussing New Zealand exports and the country’s reputation overseas, Jones reflected on the remarkable rise of orange roughy as an international delicacy. Originally marketed under the less appetising name “slimehead,” the fish was rebranded by New Zealand’s fishing industry before finding an unlikely boost in popularity through American popular culture.
Jones recounted how the fish’s fortunes changed after J.R. Ewing, the wealthy and ruthless oil tycoon portrayed by Larry Hagman in the hit television series Dallas, famously ordered orange roughy during a restaurant scene. The appearance sparked a wave of consumer interest across the United States, with viewers eager to emulate the luxurious lifestyle associated with one of television’s most iconic characters. Almost overnight, orange roughy became established as a premium white fish on menus throughout North America.
Adding to the conversation, Radio Waatea Editor-in-Chief Matthew Tukaki laughed that the phenomenon was indeed “a thing,” recalling just how influential Dallas had become during its peak and how a single television moment helped transform a little-known New Zealand export into a household name overseas.
Beyond infrastructure and economic development, the discussion also reflected on the political landscape heading into the 2026 General Election.
Jones said New Zealand First intends to campaign strongly on regional development, resource management, infrastructure investment, law and order, and economic growth, while continuing to position itself as a party focused on practical outcomes rather than ideological debate.
The interview offered listeners insight into the Coalition’s priorities as Parliament continues debating issues ranging from conservation and resource management to transport infrastructure and regional investment.
With election campaigning beginning to intensify, Jones’ appearance on Radio Waatea highlighted the issues New Zealand First believes will define the months ahead while also providing a reminder that politics can occasionally be punctuated by stories from popular culture that have left a lasting mark on New Zealand’s economic history.
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