Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey and Labour list MP Dan Rosewarne have clashed over the government’s economic management, a landmark trade deal with India, and key Canterbury infrastructure projects, laying out the battle lines for one of the region's most closely watched electoral contests.
In a wide-ranging debate, the two politicians traded blows on national and local issues, from New Zealand’s credit outlook to the controversial Woodend Bypass, giving voters a stark preview of the political choices ahead.
Fiery debate over India trade deal
The proposed India Free Trade Agreement proved a major point of friction. Mr Doocey, a National MP, championed the deal as a “win-win” for New Zealand, arguing it is essential for a small trading nation. He highlighted the potential local benefits, pointing to a business in his electorate he believes could expand significantly. Similar issues have surfaced in Dunedin, where the City Council awarded a $35M 3 Waters contract.
I’ve got a business in my electorate, Sutton Tools. Quite frankly they’re saying by opening up India they’ll be able to double capacity, and that’s more local people being employed. So that’s why it’s just a win win.
While Labour also supports the agreement, Mr Rosewarne voiced deep concerns about the government's rhetoric surrounding the negotiations. He said Indian communities in his area felt the tone of the debate could lead to public harassment and abuse.
Mr Rosewarne defended Labour’s cautious approach, stating it was necessary to “stress test” the agreement. He raised alarms about a $33 billion investment commitment which he said India has already signalled it will enforce, potentially unravelling the deal if New Zealand fails to meet the target within 15 years. He also noted that Labour's scrutiny had led to government commitments on a modern slavery bill and better protections for migrant workers.
Mr Doocey fired back, accusing Labour of playing politics for six months and causing “tension within our Indian communities.” He insisted Trade Minister Todd McClay had been transparent and that concerns raised by NZ First leader Winston Peters were incorrect.
Economic management under scrutiny after Moody's downgrade
The recent downgrade of New Zealand's fiscal outlook by credit ratings agency Moody's provided more fuel for the fire. Mr Rosewarne described the decision as a “clear verdict” on the National-led government's economic management under Christopher Luxon.
“Under Labour New Zealand’s credit rating was upgraded even through a global pandemic,” Mr Rosewarne said. “This Moody’s rating, it’s a clear verdict from independent experts on the two and a half years of Christopher Luxon’s economic management. He promised to fix the economy. Instead he has made it worse.”
However, Mr Doocey argued the downgrade was a direct consequence of the debt inherited from the previous Labour government. “This year alone government will spend 10 billion dollars not paying one dollar of that debt down, servicing the debt. That is the legacy we inherited,” he said. He advocated for “prudent fiscal management” and pointed to cuts in what he termed “back office wasteful spending” as a key part of the solution.
Mr Rosewarne rejected this characterisation, arguing the cuts were affecting frontline services. “These are people working behind the scenes in our hospitals to make sure their healthcare is delivered to the people who need it. And Kiwis are feeling this pressure and they’re tired of that narrative,” he said.
Local projects incite heated exchange
The debate became intensely local as attention turned to the Waimakariri electorate, where the cost of living and infrastructure are dominant issues. Both MPs agreed on the need for the long-awaited Woodend Bypass but fiercely disagreed on its funding.
Mr Rosewarne criticised National's plan to toll the new road. “What Matt failed to mention before the last election was that National was going to toll it. I don’t support that tolling. People don’t want to have to pay an extra toll just to get their kids to school or take their kids to sport,” he said, claiming the management would go to an offshore company.
Mr Doocey appeared baffled by the claim, stating all toll revenue is managed by the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi. “There is no money going offshore. I’m really a bit bamboozled,” he responded. He then accused Labour of delaying the project for six years when in government, which has resulted in the bypass now having to be built at a much greater cost.
Mr Doocey also took credit for a tougher approach to law and order, claiming that ram raids, which he said he'd never heard of in Waimakariri before Labour's last term, were no longer a problem. The area, like much of Christchurch, has seen significant police operations in recent years, including searches of the nearby Red Zone for missing persons.
Canterbury's slice of the funding pie
The discussion broadened to transport funding across the entire Canterbury region, following recent claims from Environment Canterbury Chair Deon Swiggs that the region is being short-changed. Mr Rosewarne agreed, saying both Christchurch and the South Island are not receiving funding proportional to their economic contribution.
“The government has been robbing Peter to pay Paul by diverting funds from existing projects and failing to adequately fund critical infrastructure,” Mr Rosewarne said, pointing to reallocated funds for public transport and the Brougham Street upgrade.
Mr Doocey dismissed this as “lazy politics,” stating that investment decisions are not based on simple GDP or population metrics. He cited what he called a “record investment” of $1.8 billion into Canterbury roading, including funding for Brougham Street that the last government didn't provide. He pointed to National's legacy of building major roading projects like the Southern Motorway and Northern Corridor as evidence of his party's commitment to the region's infrastructure, contrasting it with Labour, who he said cancelled every proposed motorway in the South Island.
“We’ll stand on our record about building roads compared to Labour cancelling every proposed motorway in the South Island when they were last in government,” Mr Doocey said.
