Butter chicken tsunami: New Zealand MP's racist rant over India trade deal
Shane Jones's "butter chicken tsunami" remarks drew strong criticism from the Indian community and political leaders, and also exposed divisions within the coalition over immigration concerns and the parliamentary backing needed to pass the free trade deal with India.
A New Zealand lawmaker from the ruling coalition has triggered backlash from the Indian community after referring to a proposed free trade agreement between Wellington and New Delhi as a “butter chicken tsunami.”
New Zealand MP Shane Jones criticised the forthcoming agreement in a radio interview, saying, “I don’t care how much criticism we get, I am just never going to agree with a butter chicken tsunami coming to New Zealand.”
On Monday, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon described the comments as unhelpful but refrained from calling them racist.
The proposed free trade agreement with India also faces a legislative hurdle, as the ruling party’s coalition partner New Zealand First -- of which Jones is a deputy leader -- has opposed the deal. This means the National Party would require Labour’s backing to pass the agreement in Parliament.
Jones also said his party would “never accept” the free trade agreement, citing concerns that “unfettered immigration” would lead to lower wages, traffic congestion, and strain on the health system.
This is not the first time Jones has drawn criticism from the Indian community in New Zealand.
In 2019, he told members of the community to “catch the next flight home” during a backlash over changes to partnership visa rules, which made it more difficult for many migrants -- especially Indians -- to bring their spouses to New Zealand.
Jones further stoked tensions in 2025 with remarks about common Indian surnames during a New Zealand First annual meeting. Speaking ahead of an immigration announcement at the conference, he commented on the country’s changing demographics.
Immigration Minister Erica Stanford described Jones’s latest remarks on Indians and the incoming free trade deal as “not helpful.” On Tuesday, Jones told reporters that his parliamentary colleagues had asked him to moderate his language, though he admitted to using hyperbole for impact in debates.
Auckland Indian Association president Shanti Patel expressed shock over Jones’s comments, and told Radio New Zealand (RNZ), “It’s incredibly worrying for everybody.” She also pointed out the significant contributions of the Indian community, which is the third-largest ethnic group in New Zealand, according to the 2023 Census.
Jones’ remarks drew backlash from the Indian business community in the country, with NZ Indian Business Association general secretary Jaspreet Kandhari also criticising them, reported RNZ.
Patel also criticised the New Zealand prime minister’s handling of the situation, saying, “I think he should have made a stand as the leader of the country.” She pointed out that Labour leader Chris Hipkins had already condemned such rhetoric and urged the prime minister to do the same.
Kandhari argued that if Jones was dissatisfied with immigration policies, he should have worked to change them as part of the coalition government. “As we are getting closer to the election, such comments indicate he is trying to please his audience,” he said, adding that such remarks were unbecoming of a senior politician.
Yugraj Singh Mahil, former president of the New Zealand Sikh Society Hamilton, condemned Jones’ comments as “disrespectful,” warning that targeting a specific community could lead to broader societal issues. Mahil emphasised that such behaviour had no place in New Zealand.