Elizabeth Rata: SUBMISSION TO THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS, DEFENCE AND TRADE COMMITTEE ON THE NEW ZEALAND–INDIA FREE TRADE AGREEMENT

Submitted by Professor Elizabeth Rata, University of Auckland

16 May 2026

MY POSITION

I oppose the inclusion of Article 13.2 of the New Zealand–India Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which expressly affirms the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

Matua Kahurangi: Infinite Indians - An open deal with no plan

While the rest of us were just trying to get on with life and our mainstream media were busy hurling homophobic slurs, our spineless politicians quietly sold the farm. They have locked New Zealand into a so-called trade deal that will reshape this country for decades. Almost no one in the press had the balls to ask the bleeding obvious questions.

Thank God for Winston Peters, who is actually doing his job.

Perspective with Heather du Plessis-Allan: Labour had no other direction to go on the India FTA

What a surprise, Labour has agreed to support the India free trade agreement - although it wasn’t really a surprise when it was announced today.

I told you last week it would happen this week and Labour would give it the green light because there was really no other way for them to go.

Peter Dunne: Labour over the barrel on India free trade deal

Contrary to what many commentators are suggesting, Labour is not in the dominant position on what happens regarding the proposed free trade agreement with India. Labour is actually over a barrel on the issue.

Thanks to New Zealand First's obdurate xenophobia, based on inaccurate claims about what the agreement means for future immigration levels from India, the government lacks the numbers in Parliament to pass the relevant enabling legislation. Without New Zealand First's support, National and ACT therefore need to bring on board either Labour, the Green Party or Te Pati Māori to get the legislation through.

Perspective with Heather du Plessis-Allan: Does Winston Peters have a point about the India FTA?

Look, I hate to say it, but it’s starting to sound like Winston Peters was right about that India Free Trade Agreement, and that the Government is not being straight up with us about what’s in the document.

Ryan Bridge: We're getting a FTA with India

New Zealand is going to sign this free trade deal with India.

The massive boost we got and still enjoy from Phil Goff’s signing of the China FTA is still very much fresh in mind.

Ryan Bridge: How are the India FTA talks going?

So we've had a fifth round of talks with India on a free trade agreement. A senior government minister's in town with 42 of his mates.

This is a sign of good progress, but dairy farmers were hoping for a pot of gold at the end of this rainbow and it isn't going to happen.

Ele Ludemann: FTA with India is possible

Many pundits thought Christopher Luxon was dreaming when he put forward a Free Trade Agreement with India as an election policy, this announcement means a deal is now possible:

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay today announced New Zealand and India have formally launched negotiations on a Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement.