'Crass': PM responds to Jones' 'take off your knee pads' remark
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has publicly criticized his coalition partner Shane Jones for using 'crass' language regarding a recent visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Jones suggested that politicians should 'take off their knee pads' when dealing with foreign leaders, a comment Luxon dismissed as unprofessional.
Why it matters
The incident highlights internal tensions within New Zealand's coalition government and the complexities of managing diplomatic relations and trade agreements with India.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has responded to what he calls "crass" comments by New Zealand First deputy leader Shane Jones over the weekend. At the New Zealand First convention in Auckland, Jones made the comments when speaking on other political parties dealing with India while referencing the <a href="https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/07/11/thousands-welcome-modi-at-auckland-rally-as-protesters-gather-outside/" target="_blank">recent visit</a> of its Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. "The next time you go to an ethno-nationalist rally to receive a foreign leader, take off your knee pads." Speaking to RNZ this morning, Luxon labelled Jones' comments as "crass and unprofessional". "I'm actually super proud of our Indian FTA.
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