‘Tsunami of butter chicken in New Zealand…’, what did the minister say about India? controversy broke out

By Samira Vishwas On Apr 23, 2026

New Zealand A major political controversy has arisen regarding the proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India. The controversial remarks of a senior minister have further inflamed the issue, after which there is huge resentment among the Indian community and opposition leaders.

In fact, this important agreement is likely to be signed between Wellington and New Delhi next week. The New Zealand government is calling this a once in a generation opportunity, which can give its businesses access to a huge market like India.

What was the minister’s statement?

Shane Jones, deputy leader of New Zealand’s ruling coalition partner party NZ First and Regional Development Minister, gave a controversial statement opposing this agreement. “I don’t care how much criticism we get, I’m never going to agree to a tsunami of butter chicken coming to New Zealand,” he said. His statement is being widely criticized and it is being termed as racist.

Resentment in the Indian community

The Indian community settled in New Zealand has strongly condemned this comment. Shanti Patel, president of the Auckland Indian Association, said: “This is extremely worrying for everyone.” Opposition MP Priyanka Radhakrishnan called it “blatant racism” and said “this is unacceptable and politicians should not make such statements.”

New Zealand MP Shane Jones describes mass immigration from India as a “butter chicken tsunami”.His comments have sparked a hysterical meltdown from the country’s ultra-woke political establishment.Follow: @NoticerNewspic.twitter.com/C94vTMpEIN
— The Noticer (@NoticerNews) April 22, 2026

Why the differences between the government and the allies?

Differences are clearly visible even within the government on this issue. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon called Jones’ comments inappropriate. The NZ First Party has expressed apprehension that this agreement may open the country’s doors to a large number of Indian citizens, due to which it has withdrawn its support.

Due to differences in the coalition, the government may now need the support of the opposition Labor Party to pass this agreement in Parliament. However, the Labor Party has also not yet clarified its stand and has expressed concern over investment related issues.

Why worry about investment and migration?

According to officials, more than 20,000 Indian immigrants are likely to come to New Zealand under this agreement. Apart from this, New Zealand will have to invest about 34 billion New Zealand dollars (about 20 billion US dollars) in India in the next 15 years, questions are also being raised about this.