Winston Peters on ‘The Country’: A Free Trade Deal with India and a “Common Sense” Approach to Immigration

By Lions Roar Aotearoa Political & Rural Desk

WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND (Thursday, January 29, 2026) — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters joined The Country today for a wide-ranging interview, taking aim at New Zealand’s current immigration settings and providing a much-anticipated update on the elusive Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India.

Speaking to the rural community, Peters emphasized that New Zealand’s economic future depends on “opening doors that have been closed for too long,” while ensuring that domestic infrastructure isn’t overwhelmed by “unbridled” population growth.

🇮🇳 The “Big Prize”: An FTA with India

Peters, who has made a trade deal with India a personal and party priority, signaled that negotiations are entering a critical “pragmatic” phase.

Strategic Patience: Peters acknowledged that India has historically been protective of its dairy sector—a major concern for NZ farmers—but suggested that a “staged” or “relationship-first” approach is the way forward.
Beyond Dairy: He highlighted massive opportunities for New Zealand in technology, education, and horticulture that could serve as the “bridge” to a full FTA.
The Message: “We can’t just walk in and demand they open their borders to our milk on day one. We have to build a strategic partnership that India values as much as we do.”

🛂 Immigration: “Quality Over Quantity”

Addressing concerns from the rural sector about labor shortages versus the strain on national services, Peters reiterated his long-standing “common sense” stance.

Infrastructure First: Peters argued that immigration numbers must be tied to the country’s ability to house, transport, and provide healthcare for newcomers.
Rural Workforce: He signaled support for streamlined visas for “genuine” skilled workers needed on farms and in provincial industries, but warned against using immigration as a “top-up for low-wage business models.”
The Crackdown: He hinted at a tighter focus on ensuring that those coming to New Zealand are filling actual skill gaps rather than just adding to the “population pressure” in Auckland.

📊 Peters’ Policy Outlook: Rural Impact

Topic	Stance	Impact on Farmers
India FTA	Relationship-led negotiation.	Long-term market diversification for exports.
Immigration	Capacity-based limits.	Potentially tighter labor supply but better local services.
Trade Diversification	Reducing reliance on a single market.	Increased economic security for primary producers.

💬 “We’re Back on the World Stage”

Peters concluded the interview by asserting that New Zealand’s foreign policy is now more “active and assertive” than it has been in years. He told The Country listeners that the government is focused on “real results for real Kiwis,” particularly those in the primary industries who drive the nation’s export wealth.