New Zealand First deputy leader Shane Jones has rarely been far from the political headlines as Election 2026 approaches, with immigration, resource development and disagreements inside the Coalition putting the veteran politician firmly in the spotlight.
Jones has defended New Zealand First’s proposal to tighten citizenship rules, including changes that could affect some Māori families who have lived in Australia for generations. The party argues New Zealand needs a reset of immigration and citizenship settings, while opponents have questioned the implications for Māori with longstanding connections to Aotearoa.
As Resources and Regional Development Minister, Jones has also continued to champion mining and economic development. New Zealand First is campaigning for greater opportunities for economic activity on conservation land, with Jones backing provisions requiring DOC to recognise and enable economic opportunities where appropriate.
But Jones has also demonstrated that New Zealand First will not automatically follow its Coalition partners on every issue.
Speaking recently to Waatea, he backed a stronger standalone Te Puni Kōkiri and drew a distinction between New Zealand First and ACT over the future of the Waitangi Tribunal. He has also signalled renewed attention on finding a pathway forward for Ngāpuhi in Te Tai Tokerau.
Those differences are increasingly important as the campaign gathers pace, with New Zealand First positioning itself as having its own policy agenda on Māori affairs, resources, immigration and regional economic development.
For Jones, the final weeks before Election 2026 look set to keep him exactly where he has spent much of this term — right in the middle of the political debate.
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