Hipkins also pointed out discrepancies between what the Government was saying about the deal, and what the deal actually said. McClay later clarified the deal does not prohibit New Zealand from creating a cap on all student visas issued to people from all countries, including India. That explanation did not wash with Hipkins who wrote that “any cap on international students would, in practice, breach this provision”. The deal requires New Zealand firms to invest US$20 billion ($33b) in India over 15 years. Hipkins said he wanted key Labour MPs to see unredacted advice from MFAT before agreeing to support the deal.

Source: New Zealand Herald February 15, 2026 05:15 UTC