Tuesday, 13 January 2026 12:53

PM finds the fence

Written by The Hound

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OPINION: When he promised an Indian FTA in his first term, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon was really putting it all on red for the win. Against the odds (and with help from Todd McClay and others), he has thumbed his nose at the many doubters by closing just such a deal before Christmas – a move that will change the narrative around the PM and could help him win the election.

Winston Peters is clearly going to use the immigration aspect to his advantage in the election, but this mutt reckons Labour will find it hard to credibly vote against a deal that delivers obvious benefit to our export sector.

Dairy and beef miss out, but that was expected. Sheepmeat however will enjoy zero tariffs on day one, as will nearly 60% of NZ’s exports to India, increasing to 82% over 10 years.

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