Media outlet Reality Check Radio (RCR) is urging New Zealanders to lodge submissions before tonight’s 11.59pm deadline on the proposed New Zealand–India Free Trade Agreement, warning the deal could have sweeping long-term consequences for immigration, manufacturing, labour markets and national sovereignty.
In material circulated ahead of the closing date, RCR said there had been “conflicting or confusing reporting” around the agreement and encouraged members of the public to make their concerns known directly to Parliament. They outlined a range of objections raised by commentators and critics of the deal, including concerns about uncapped immigration pathways, labour market pressure, reduced protections for local manufacturing and limited reciprocal access for New Zealand exporters.
RCR also argued the agreement could lock future governments into immigration and investment settings that would be difficult to reverse, while extending into broader policy areas such as climate obligations and CBDC cooperation.
The group provided supporters with a suggested submission template opposing ratification of the agreement in its current form, while encouraging people to personalise their feedback using their own experiences and concerns.
Submissions on the treaty examination close at 11.59pm tonight. Full information and templates are available on the RCR website.
