Shane Jones Issues Apology Following Personal Swipe at Nicola Willis

NZ First Deputy Leader Shane Jones issues a swift apology after making personal comments regarding Finance Minister Nicola Willis's weight amid coalition tensions.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 23, 2026, 4:59 AM EDT

Source: RNZ Pacific

The "Bump and Grind" Turns Personal

The verbal sparring began on Thursday morning when reporters questioned Jones about Willis doubling down on criticisms of New Zealand First. Jones initially dismissed the back-and-forth as the "bump and grind of politics" before suggesting that Willis’s persistent comments might be "an outcome of losing too much weight."

The remark was widely viewed as a step too far, even by the standards of the coalition's recent "tit-for-tat" exchanges. While Willis initially declined to comment to reporters, Jones reappeared just an hour later to retract the statement. He admitted the remarks were not in keeping with the conduct expected of a senior parliamentarian and stated he had personally apologized to Willis, which she accepted.

A Pattern of Parliamentary Apologies

This incident marks the second apology Willis has received within a 24-hour period. On Wednesday, Labour leader Chris Hipkins was forced to apologize after suggesting Willis "may need some medical help" following a loud groan she made during a House session.

These rapid-fire apologies suggest a particularly volatile atmosphere in the House, where the lines between political debate and personal insults have become increasingly blurred. In both instances, Willis opted to accept the apologies directly rather than extending the public dispute.