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Conservative Party leader Helen Houghton.
The Conservative Party warns that the upcoming free trade agreement between New Zealand and India may prioritise increased labour mobility while offering limited reassurance for New Zealand workers.
Party leader Helen Houghton says that many New Zealanders are already worried about being pushed out of employment as businesses increasingly turn to low-cost migrant labour.
"New Zealanders were never asked whether they supported an agreement that expands temporary work pathways at a time when many locals are struggling to secure stable employment, but they'll certainly feel the consequences," Houghton says.
"If a trade deal mainly delivers more workers competing for the same jobs, that's not free trade - that's selling out your own workforce," she says.
Houghton says Kiwis are already concerned about pressure on housing, infrastructure and public services.
"New Zealand is already struggling with housing shortages, stretched infrastructure, and growing pressure on health and education services," she says.
"Increasing the number of foreign workers without addressing those pressures risks making the problem worse," she adds.
Houghton's criticism comes a day after the Labour Party announced it would support the deal.
She says the deal shows how the two major parties - National and Labour - are out of touch with the realities of ordinary New Zealanders.
“National and Labour may celebrate this as a diplomatic success, but for many Kiwis the question is simple: what are we actually gaining from it?”
Houghton argues that trade agreements need to focus on expanding export opportunities for New Zealand businesses and strengthening the economy.
"Trade deals should open markets for our farmers, exporters and innovators - not intensify competition for jobs at home," she says.
The party is calling for greater transparency around the agreement and a clear explanation of how it will benefit New Zealand workers and families.
"New Zealanders deserve trade policies that put their interests first," Houghton concludes.
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