Watch: Another apology to Nicola Willis, this time from Shane Jones

Thursday, 23 April 2026

Another MP has had to apologise to National deputy leader Nicola Willis.

The latest apology was swiftly issued by NZ First deputy leader Shane Jones. He appeared to comment on her weight loss while speaking with journalists about Willis’ earlier claims that NZ First could work with Labour.

On Thursday, while being asked about the tension between NZ First and National this week, Jones, initially reluctant to wade into the war of words, made a comment about Willis.

Stuff asked if NZ First had been “told off” by the prime minister’s office, after Peters openly criticised National for being “egotistical” and predicted another confidence vote would be launched against Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.

“Oh it’s the bump and grind of politics. And I don’t know, maybe it’s an outcome of losing too much weight,” Jones said.

Those last few words, said as he walked to the House, were the subject of his apology.

On his way out of the debating chamber, Jones was asked if he had “anything to say”.

“Ah yes, look, I owe an apology to Nicola Willis. It has been reported that my remarks were not in keeping with what one would expect a senior parliamentarian.

“And, ah, I shall be very mindful in answering questions in the future that do not have an unnecessarily hurtful impact on my colleagues,” he said.

Willis told Stuff she has accepted Jones’ apology and is moving on.

Jones initially said he did not want to continue firing off at National.

“There is… a season for all things. Thursday afternoon is not the afternoon for me to pick up a slingshot and return fire,” he said.

He said it would not be the season to respond to Willis’s views about NZ First for at least the next few days.

“Saturday, I shall be well and truly lubricated because it’s Anzac Day,” he said.

Earlier on Thursday, Willis said she believed there was a real possibility NZ First would decide to work with Labour after the 2026 election. Her comments angered NZ First leader Winston Peters, who has been responding with quick fire tweets, posts and emails to his supporters, ruling out working with Labour again.

Stuff asked Jones again, earlier on Thursday, if he was not at all concerned by Willis saying NZ First could work with Labour. He said he’d leave that issue to Peters.

“The National Party, from time to time, may want to generate appeal by taking shots,” Jones said.

Willis said Peters had a “way with words”.

“You've seen him through the years, haven't you? He will always find a way of saying, 'Oh no, no, no, what I meant at the time was',” she said.

She said she trusted Peters, but also 'trusted' that he had a 'way with words' which meant he might work with Labour.

Peters replied: 'I don't know what on Earth you are talking about. Having a way with words is meant to be a talent for a politician. That's what we're doing here.'

This isn’t the first time this week that Jones’ choice of phrase has come under fire.

Senior ministers have had to answer questions about Jones saying he would fight against the India Free Trade Agreement because it would create a “butter chicken tsunami”.