Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has labelled his clash with New Zealand First leader Winston Peters over an India free trade deal a "mature disagreement".
NZ First leader Winston Peters has claimed it could mean "tens of thousands of people" arriving onshore and taking opportunities "away from New Zealanders".
National has strongly denied this. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said Peters was "wrong" about the China FTA and "he's wrong on this one too".
Morning Report's Corin Dann asked the Prime Minister whether it's acceptable for Peters to accuse the government of not being upfront.
"He had a difference of opinion, he's had a long held view around immigration issues, around Free Trade Agreements. That's well understood, his political party, that's what he believes ... he's wrong on that," Luxon said.
"We're fine to have a mature disagreement."
The deal provided for about 1700 highly skilled temporary work visas each year, Luxon said.
"They can't be renewed, they can't be extended, it actually is to draw from, not add to, the existing green list that we've got," he said.
Peters brings a lot to the government but "he's just plain wrong on this, it's okay to say so," said Luxon.
The Prime Minister was also asked about Resources Minister Shane Jones shutting down the possibility of New Zealand signing up to a 'road map' away from fossil fuels at the [annual global climate summit.
"I'm not aware of who did what ... I'm not aware of that, I haven't been briefed on that," Luxon said.
Last week, Trade Minister Todd McClay revealed NZ First had pulled its support for the FTA before it was signed.
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