Ron Matron

I hope those of us against this deal are here to show Modi & Luxon what we think of their Globaalist treason when he comes to New Zealand in July, no doubt Luxon will be in full cosplay mode simping for his next job and pretending New Zealanders love being sold off

Pretty odd antics on New Zealand X this week about a free trade deal with India, a country that is on track to be one of the worlds largest economies, is a democracy in a world where those are very rare and authoritarianism is growing rapidly, and provides a massive new market for our trading nation in an era of the greatest geopolitical uncertainty in the last 80 years. Rather than celebrating that; some have been trying to replicate some of the “great replacement” social media angst sweeping Europe - in some cases for what appear to be cynical political reasons, for others out of misunderstanding driven by what they’ve seen from those trying to scare them at a time when they already feel uncertain about the world. The reality is that New Zealand’s sovereignty over permanent immigration, residency pathways, and citizenship remains fully intact. The agreement is limited to temporary mobility, and does not create or lock in any permanent outcomes.

There’s been a lot of misinformation about immigration under the new Free Trade Agreement with India. Much of what’s being said is spin rather than substance. Here’s the facts. This FTA does not open the floodgates on immigration. It allows around 1,700 temporary three‑year work visas per year - less than 3% of all work visas. And they can’t be renewed. Total numbers are capped so there can’t be more than 5,000 at any one time. The temporary work visa is targeted at skills New Zealand already needs - like doctors, nurses, teachers, ICT and engineers. These are roles that help keep hospitals staffed, classrooms open, and businesses productive. Claims about family migration are simply wrong. The FTA does not grant automatic rights for family members to enter, work or study in New Zealand. There is no back‑door pathway. The FTA is about lifting incomes for Kiwis, not importing labour from India. It means we can sell more of what we are good at to 1.4 billion people. It’s about bringing money into local communities, and helping Kiwis get ahead.

Ok. I'll play. 1. What is the numerical limit on the number of Indian natural persons who can be present and working in NZ at any given moment as transferees, contractors and independent professionals? 2. Are persons admitted under those categories permitted to bring immediate family? 4. Is New Zealand permitted to demand proof that no NZer is available for the above positions? 5. Are any occupations are specifically excluded from the "contractor" category? 6. How will NZIS establish lack of intent to remain permanently? Let's start with these.