Erica Stanford refuses to release file Winston Peters says proves discrimination against Indians
New Zealand Immigration Minister Erica Stanford has refused to release a document that Winston Peters claims proves the government is discriminating against Indian citizens. The government maintains the document is protected by constitutional conventions regarding ministerial advice.
Why it matters
The dispute highlights internal tensions within the New Zealand coalition government and raises questions about transparency regarding immigration policy and international trade agreements.
The immigration minister has refused to release the document that NZ First leader Winston Peters claims would show the government "covertly" changing migration settings for Indians.
Erica Stanford says the document is being withheld in full "to maintain the constitutional conventions for the time being which protect the confidentiality of advice tendered by ministers of the Crown and officials".
She says the public value in releasing the document does not outweigh the need to keep it secret.
Peters, also foreign minister, has opposed the deal with India since before it was announced, and had previously criticised immigration provisions he said could mean "open slather immigration" of Indians arriving in New Zealand and taking opportunities "away from New Zealanders".
His deputy Shane Jones has faced criticism for similar rhetoric, warning against a "butter chicken tsunami" .
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