Indian Leaders Respond to Winston Peters’ Controversial Comments

The Indian community in New Zealand is expressing significant concern over recent comments made by Winston Peters, the leader of New Zealand First, regarding immigration. Peters described the influx of migrants as an “alarming development” in an interview with the New Zealand Herald. His remarks suggested that many New Zealanders feel threatened by the changing dynamics in their cities due to immigration policies.

Peters articulated his worries during the interview, stating, “They have seen the international circumstances of careless immigration policies transforming cities… people feel at risk because of it.” He cited examples from several European countries, including England, arguing that some migrants fail to respect local values and customs. He further claimed that newcomers should embrace New Zealand’s values or reconsider their decision to migrate.

Indian community leaders swiftly countered Peters’ assertions. Narendra Bhana, a prominent figure within the community, expressed his alarm at the rhetoric that characterizes immigrants as a burden. “It is deeply concerning to witness political rhetoric that portrays immigrants as a burden rather than a strength,” he stated. Bhana emphasized the crucial roles that migrants play in various sectors, including healthcare, construction, agriculture, retail, and information technology.

Former Member of Parliament Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi echoed these sentiments, acknowledging the necessity of aligning immigration policies with national infrastructure and workforce needs. He cautioned against generalizations that overshadow the valuable contributions made by migrant communities. “Some of Mr. Peters’s language has caused concern within migrant communities,” he noted.

Bhana also highlighted the impact of labor shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic, illustrating the importance of immigrant workers in sustaining New Zealand’s economy. “Businesses across the country struggled with severe labour shortages, and the economy faced immense pressure due to the lack of migrant workers,” he said.

The discussion on immigration has broader implications in New Zealand’s political landscape. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon recently stated that immigration must align with the country’s economic agenda and infrastructure capabilities. “We have accelerated pathways for residency through the Green List for when we have got job shortages that we desperately need to get into our communities,” he explained.

Bakshi welcomed Luxon’s balanced approach, hoping for an ongoing dialogue that remains inclusive and focused on shared progress. “Prime Minister Luxon’s emphasis on aligning immigration with long-term national goals is a more balanced approach,” he remarked. Bhana shared this perspective, advocating for policies that value and support immigrants rather than vilifying them.

The Opposition also took issue with Peters’ comments. Ricardo Menendez March, the Green Party’s immigration spokesperson, referred to Peters’ remarks as a “tired, decades-old playbook of blaming migrants.” He suggested that such statements distract from pressing coalition policies that have faced criticism, including reforms to pay equity and emergency housing.

Labour MP Phil Twyford condemned Peters’ comments as “cynical politicking,” arguing that they divert attention from urgent issues like the rising cost of living. He underscored the reliance of New Zealand’s economy on immigration, asserting, “We remain completely reliant on immigration for our economy to work and for our society to work.”

In his interview, Peters reiterated his belief that New Zealand should prioritize training and employing its own citizens before turning to immigration. He remarked, “We, like wise countries, have always believed we should be training and employing our own people first and not use immigration as an excuse not to do that.”

The discussion surrounding immigration in New Zealand is increasingly relevant as the nation navigates the complexities of its economic needs and social fabric. The responses from community leaders and political figures alike highlight the ongoing debate regarding the role of migrants in shaping a vibrant and inclusive society.