New Zealand First unveils plans for dramatic overhaul of immigration system
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters has proposed significant restrictions on immigration, arguing that population growth should not outpace infrastructure development. The party aims to make immigration a privilege rather than a right, ahead of the upcoming general election.
Why it matters
Immigration policy is a central issue in the upcoming New Zealand election, with this proposal representing a shift toward more restrictive nationalistic policies.
New Zealand First is wanting to make sweeping changes to the country's immigration laws.
The party unveiled over a dozen new policies on Friday ahead of November's general election.
The proposed resident visa cap would require infrastructure to exist or be fully funded and scheduled for delivery before major population growth could occur.
Councils would also have more freedom in planning, a move that would appear to override some of the settings in the reforms to the Resource Management Act progressed by the coalition this term.
Speaking at the annual Immigration Conference in Auckland on Friday, NZ First leader Winston Peters said population growth should not outpace an ability to build the country.
"New Zealand First will substantially reduce non-essential immigration and restore the principle that immigration is a privilege, not a right," he said.
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