‘Touched a nerve’: ACT, NZ First trade barbs over NZ First minister’s India visit
Monday, 13 July 2026
Just two days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi left our shores, one of New Zealand’s own Government ministers has headed to India to promote our products.
But in a surprising turn of events given the party’s strong criticism of the India free trade deal, it’s a New Zealand First minister - Mark Patterson.
Patterson is an associate minister of agriculture with responsibility for the wool industry.
In a statement released on Monday morning, Patterson said he would be attending Bharat Tex 2026, “India's largest global textile trade expo showcasing innovation, sustainable fabrics, apparel, fashion, and global textiles, to speak at a business roundtable and champion New Zealand strong wool”.
He said the global shift towards sustainability means new opportunities for demand for NZ wool and “the Government remains fully committed to backing the long-term success of our Kiwi wool growers”.
However, one MP - from NZ First’s coalition partner ACT - was quick to call Patterson out for the trip.
“Sometimes it’s better to watch what people do instead of what they say. New Zealand First say they oppose the India Free Trade Agreement but their Minister Mark Patterson just left for a taxpayer-funded trip to promote wool exports to India,” she said.
“No doubt he will be pointing out to potential customers that as soon as the Free Trade Agreement is in place, there will be no tariffs and no admin for importing New Zealand wool into India.
“Go Mark, we wish you every success promoting new opportunities for Kiwi farmers under the India FTA!”
Parmar posted the statement - which was also emailed to the Press Gallery - to her Facebook page.
Within hours, NZ First commented.
“Actually Parmjeet, we aren’t against free trade or free trade agreements. As you know it was literally in NZF coalition agreement to look at FTAs and specifically an FTA with India. What we are against are bad Free Trade Agreements that are not in NZ’s best interests,” the party’s social media page posted.
“Here’s the real ‘bad’ part - the Indian FTA that YOU voted for includes UNDRIP and Paris Accord clauses… what was it you said… ’better to watch what people do instead of what they say’.”
Parmar replied to the comment saying that she had clearly “touched a nerve”.
“I can only chuckle seeing them tie themselves in knots,” she wrote.
When asked about the trip, ACT leader and acting Prime Minister David Seymour said he thinks it is “really positive” that a Cabinet minister is visiting India already.
“I always thought that, like the Chinese FTA, like the TPP, the people who jumped around about a trade agreement would eventually come round and see its benefits. But I've got to be honest, even I didn't think it would happen this quickly,” he said.