NZ First leader Winston Peters has predictably played the immigration card, saying numbers should be cut to protect Kiwi jobs during tough economic times.
Mr Peters used a campaign speech in Nelson to say "when times are tough internationally immigrants are attracted to New Zealand like moths toa neon light".
"During times when New Zealanders' jobs are at risk, immigration will be cut to ensure Kiwis did not have to compete with immigrants for jobs."
Mr Peters said this suggested reducing the immigration quota from 50,000 to 10,000.
He called for an end to the abuse of the family reunification policy "in other words, only immediate family".
Mr Peters called the free trade agreement with China "foolish", saying it would allow Chinese companies "to set up here and bring in their own labour".
"It is a great idea, as long as you are not a New Zealander looking for a job, or a manufacturer trying to compete against a foreign company that has no labour laws."
Prime Minister Helen Clark, who appointed Mr Peters Minister of Foreign Affairs, said cutting the quota would not be sensible.
"There's never been a time in New Zealand's history when we didn't need to bring in skilled people."
Ms Clark, who was speaking at a Hamilton mosque, said immigration was Mr Peters' "bread and butter" .
PLAY IT AGAIN, WINSTON
1996: Winston Peters v Asians. Uses a speech in Howick to attack "rows of ostentatious houses" and their owners.
1999: Winston Peters v immigrants. Blames immigrants for Auckland problems, from traffic to shellfish pillage.
2002: Winston Peters v Asians. Calls immigration a "time-bomb with ticking fuse". Mr Peters mounts surprise defence to racism charge, by saying he has some Chinese blood.
2005: Winston Peters v Asians and Muslims. Mr Peters wonders aloud if Queen St is New Zealand or another country, and speaking about Muslims, says there was a "militant underbelly".
