New Zealand First Deputy Leader Shane Jones recently sparked controversy with remarks about immigration during an interview with RCR Radio. He claimed that the country's high levels of immigration were overwhelming infrastructure and social services, and putting downward pressure on wages.
Jones' Controversial Statement
Jones condemned those who believed immigration would deliver a massive growth dividend. He argued that the consistent influx of immigrants would drive down wages, "clog up our roads," and "overwhelm our health and other frontline services." In a particularly inflammatory comment, he added, "And I don’t care how much criticism we get, I am just never going to agree with a sort of butter chicken tsunami coming to New Zealand."
PM Luxon's Response
During a press conference, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon was asked about Jones' comments. Luxon described the remark as "unacceptable" and emphasized the tremendous contribution of the Indian community to New Zealand. "They have come here and worked incredibly hard, taken one, two or three jobs, in order to get a deposit for a house or business. They are an outstanding role model for the rest of New Zealand to follow because they have ambition, aspiration and they work really hard," Luxon said.
Public Reaction
The comments drew widespread condemnation online. One user on X wrote, "This bloke is based," while another countered, "1,700 people are not unfettered immigration. Jones is doing this for votes…simple as that." A third user stated, "I agree with western politicians regarding strict immigration policies. It's a reasonable point of view. But normalising the usage of racist slurs like 'curry' and 'butter chicken' is criminal. There are NZ citizens of Indian race who will face the blunt of this racism."
However, some echoed Jones' sentiment. One user wrote, "We don’t need these butter chicken samosas with a side of diseases. We don’t need their cow dung with a side of cow urine." Another added, "Isn't it fantastic to hear somebody who has the guts to say what the majority are thinking. Good One."
Jones Stands Firm
Despite the backlash, Jones refuses to back down. He maintains that no one will "cancel" him for being a voice of New Zealanders and highlighting how the country cannot cope with surges of immigration.
