ACT MP Dr Parmjeet Parmar has said that hosting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Zealand was “like a festival” for many in the Indian community. The comment came during her regular interview on Radio Tarana with host Sanjesh Narain, where she discussed the significance of a potential Modi visit and issues affecting the Indian community.

In the same interview, she was asked about ACT’s proposal to ban social media access for children under 16.

The Opportunity Party leader Qiulae Wong says New Zealanders are looking for something different.

The leader of the Opportunity Party (TOP), Qiulae Wong, says many New Zealanders are seeking a fresh approach to politics after years of governments failing to address the country’s biggest challenges.

Wong said New Zealand has seen successive governments, whether led by Labour or National, struggle to deliver meaningful progress on major issues.

“They have seen successive governments, whether they have been Labour-led or National-led, fail to deliver on issues like climate change, competition, the cost of living, and the economy. These are problems that have persisted over decades, and we have been unable to break through and come up with real solutions. I think people are looking for a party that is bringing fresh thinking and fresh ideas.”

Wong said TOP is also focused on finding common ground rather than contributing to political division.

“We are also a party looking for common ground across the political spectrum rather than playing into this tribalism and ‘us versus them’ rhetoric. We want to bring people closer together, and I think New Zealanders are keen to see more of that in their politics.”

Speaking to Radio Tarana host Sanjesh Narain about her background, Wong said she was born in Fiji and has paternal family connections to a business family from Lautoka.

“I was born there but grew up in Auckland from the age of six months. I went to university here and then spent my career working in the private sector and business.”

When asked which voters are being drawn to TOP, Wong said the party’s support is largely coming from younger New Zealanders.

“I think the bulk of people coming to our party are around my age—people who have grown up with an awareness of issues like climate change and have seen successive governments fail to tackle these big issues.”

Wong added that the Opportunity Party is open to working with any political party to achieve its policy goals.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says he is excited to welcome Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to New Zealand, describing the visit as an important opportunity to strengthen ties between the two countries.

Speaking to Radio Tarana host Sanjesh Narain, Luxon said the visit will help enhance trade and defence cooperation, while also celebrating New Zealand’s vibrant Kiwi-Indian community.

Addressing concerns about trade, the Prime Minister said that increasing support for Indian farmers would not disadvantage New Zealand exporters. Exporters have also expressed optimism about Prime Minister Modi’s visit and the potential for stronger trade relations.

When asked whether increased New Zealand exports to India could lead to higher prices for some products for Kiwi consumers, Luxon said he does not expect that to happen, explaining that prices will continue to be determined by supply and demand.

On comments by Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters regarding a New Zealand–India free trade agreement, Luxon said he does not believe India is taking note of Peters’ remarks.

Prime minister Luxon also reiterated that he does not support Winston Peters’ proposal to restrict voting rights to New Zealand citizens only.