Winston Peters Calls India–New Zealand FTA a “Bad Deal,” Warns of Economic and Labour Risks
New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters has strongly criticised the newly announced free-trade agreement (FTA) between India and New Zealand, calling it a “bad deal” that sacrifices national interests for speed. Peters said his New Zealand First party is opposed to the agreement and will vote against its enabling legislation in Parliament, arguing that the government rushed negotiations instead of using the full term to secure stronger outcomes for New Zealanders.
Peters claimed the agreement fails to protect key export sectors, particularly dairy, despite New Zealand opening its market to Indian goods. He said India has retained high tariff barriers on major dairy products such as milk, cheese and butter, making the deal difficult to justify to rural communities. According to him, this marks the first New Zealand trade agreement that excludes meaningful access for its flagship dairy industry, undermining long-standing trade priorities.
Beyond trade, Peters raised concerns over immigration and labour provisions, warning that the deal grants India unusually high access to New Zealand’s labour market. He criticised plans for a new employment visa for Indian citizens and expanded work rights for Indian students, saying these concessions could worsen job pressures for locals and limit future policy flexibility. With New Zealand First opposing the legislation, the agreement now faces political uncertainty as debate intensifies over balancing trade growth with labour protection and sovereignty.
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