PremiumOpinionOpinion byLiam DannBusiness Editor at Large·NZ Herald·16 May, 2026 05:00 PM7 mins to readLiam Dann, Business Editor at Large for New Zealand’s Herald, works as a writer, columnist, radio commentator and as a presenter and producer of videos and podcasts.Christopher Luxon's National Party and David Seymour's Act have traditionally favoured a neoliberal line on immigration, but have now adopted a more populist approach, says Liam Dann. Photo / Mark MitchellThe immigration issue has rolled back on to the metaphorical footy field like an old leather ball deflated and waterlogged after three years in a muddy creek behind the goal posts.Pardon the indulgent writing; what I’m saying is that immigration is a political football.
It’s a populist performative
