A New Zealand First minister has flown to India to promote Kiwi wool exports as his party voices a fierce opposition to the Government's free trade agreement, which enables more commerce with the country.
Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson is visiting India this week to champion New Zealand wool at Bharat Tex 2026, the country's largest global textile trade expo.
In a statement this morning, Patterson said India was a crucial and growing market.
"India is currently New Zealand's second largest market for wool – it is a key market for Kiwi wool growers and exporters and there is strong potential for further growth."
Patterson said he would meet figures across India's wool supply chain, including officials, manufacturers and researchers.
Luxon and Modi have announced a new Strategic Partnership and agreed to a roadmap aimed at doubling two-way trade by 2030. (Source: 1News)
"I will 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.
"I will also meet with key figures across India's wool supply chain, including India's textile minister, manufacturers, and researchers."
The trip comes just days after Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a new strategic partnership during Modi's visit to Auckland on Saturday – the first by an Indian leader in 40 years.
But New Zealand First opposes the free trade deal at the centre of that partnership, with Winston Peters claiming it will enable too much migration among other issues
New Zealand First deputy leader Shane Jones says parliamentary colleagues have suggested he tones down his public comments but he maintains he gets "cut-through" by using hyperbole. (Source: 1News)
"National, ACT, and Labour have agreed to this Indian free trade agreement for short term headline gains with fundamental and substantial long-term flaws," he said.
Peters has been a vocal critic of the agreement since it was signed, describing it as "an utter unmitigated disaster" for New Zealand's future.
Shortly after Patterson's trip was announced, coalition partner ACT's trade spokesperson, Parmjeet Parmar, seized on the apparent contradiction.
"Sometimes, it’s better to watch what people do instead of what they say," she said.
"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.
"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."
Patterson said in his announcement today that new demand opportunities were emerging for strong wool as consumers saw the sustainability benefits of natural fibres.
"The Government remains fully committed to backing the long-term success of our Kiwi wool growers, and the wider wool sector, to tap into increasing global demand for innovative, premium wool products," he said.
"We are investing more than $65 million with the wool sector in 25 projects to drive innovative and high-value opportunities and products, facilitate collaboration, and improve supply chain capability.
"Projects include innovative wool applications in acoustics, insulation, filtration, personal care and biotech ingredients such as inks, coatings, cosmetics, nutraceuticals and medical materials."
Parmar added in her own statement: "Go Mark, we wish you every success promoting new opportunities for Kiwi farmers under the India free trade agreement!"
The associate minister returns from India on July 17.
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