Vision NZ Party leader Hannah Tamaki says she respects all faiths but believes that people who come to New Zealand should also respect the country’s way of life and its values.Tamaki also said she is concerned that some groups attempt to influence the government to advance their own agendas.No stranger to politics, Tamaki is contesting an election for the third time. This election, she is standing in the Papakura electorate.Speaking to Radio Tarana host Sanjesh Narain, Tamaki said she intends to engage with people from all communities during her campaign and is confident of achieving a positive result.Commenting on the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India, Tamaki said she believes it was rushed through. She also said New Zealand’s immigration laws should be tightened. 

National Farmers Union President Surendra Lal says only a small number of cane farmers in Labasa, including Minister Charan Jeath Singh, have begun harvesting, while most are holding off in the hope of a better offer from the Government.

Speaking to Radio Tarana host Sanjesh Narain, Lal said about 95 percent of cane farmers are refusing to send their cane to the sugar mills until their concerns are addressed.

He claimed the Government and the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) management continue to ignore the union and have failed to respond to its correspondence, leaving farmers frustrated over the lack of engagement.

Labour’s finance spokesperson, Barbara Edmonds, says she does not agree with all the findings in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) report.

Speaking to Radio Tarana host Sanjesh Narain, Edmonds discussed the IMF’s assessment of New Zealand’s economy. While the IMF has forecast GDP growth of around 2 percent this year, she said many businesses continue to report sluggish trading conditions, suggesting the economic recovery is yet to be widely felt.

On fuel relief, Edmonds acknowledged the IMF’s view that the Government’s measures had been positive. However, she argued that Government's  targeted support was aimed at helping households  facing rising costs, with many forced to choose between paying for fuel or buying food.

ACT’s Papakura candidate Malkiat Singh says he will not back down despite receiving threatening messages on social media.Singh says his ancestors endured lives of servitude and that his community has a long history of resilience.He says he entered politics to serve both his community and New Zealand. Singh also claims he knows who is behind what he describes as a campaign to discredit him, as well as the motives behind it, but did not provide further details.

Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) Board Chairperson Nitya Reddy says he fully sympathises with sugarcane farmers, noting that he is a farmer himself and understands the challenges they face.

Reddy acknowledged that the forecast cane payment may not be sufficient for farmers. However, he explained that the forecast payment is calculated based on the estimated volume of cane expected to be harvested during the season.

He admitted that, despite government assistance and grants provided to the industry, many farmers are still not financially better off.

Reddy also rejected claims that he is a proxy for former Sugar Minister Charan Jeath Singh. In addition, he dismissed allegations circulating on social media that he receives a millions dollars from FSC for his role as board chairperson.

Dr Parmar joined Radio Tarana host Sanjesh Narain and said that any form of migrant exploitation is a serious concern, with mechanisms in place to address such cases.

Dr Parmar said the government is aware of protests being planned ahead of Prime Minister Modi’s visit to New Zealand and that authorities are monitoring the situation.

She also said that, despite the criticism, she continues to believe Te Tiriti courses should not be compulsory for first-year university students.

Labour leader Chris Hipkins says he is sceptical about the prospects of a peace deal between the United States and Iran. Speaking with Radio Tarana host Sanjesh Narain, Hipkins rejected claims that Labour’s pay equity policy was “gold-plated”. He said a Labour government would reverse the National-led coalition’s changes to pay equity legislation. Hipkins also blamed National’s coalition partners for the government’s poor performance in recent political polls. In addition, he commented on why many migrants would like to see the Labour Party return to power.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit New Zealand in July, with the trip understood to have been confirmed. However, the exact dates are reportedly being withheld until closer to the visit for security reasons.  

ACT MP Parmjeet Parmar has welcomed the visit, arguing that stronger engagement with India could bring economic, trade, investment, education, and people-to-people benefits for New Zealand.  

Separately, ACT has promoted changes to immigration settings aimed at supporting rural employers and regional communities through its rural visa policy proposals.  

Justice minister-Paul Goldsmith says if people want to see real change in the country they have to stick with the incumbent. He joins Radio Tarana host Sanjesh Narain to talk about Law and Order and  retail crime. Hon. Goldsmith says there is still more work to be done and he is happy to continue on his portfolio or take over any other portfolio given by the Prime Minister.    

Labour MP for Palmerston North -Tangi Utikere

Deputy Shadow Leader of the House
Spokesperson for Local Government, Transport, State Owned Enterprises, Racing

After long wait Labour has announced a policy to cap public transport fares at $20 a week in main centres and $10 everywhere else if elected. The cap, which would be introduced on 1 July 2027, is $20 in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, and $10 everywhere else. To talk on this and other matters we are joined by Labour's- Tangi Utikere.