What started as a controversial message to the Indian community from New Zealand First MP and minister Shane Jones, has led to a ministerial split over immigration.
The coalition government recently signalled parent visas would resume, but with tougher conditions to meet.
New Zealand First also took credit for a recent clampdown on partnership visas, with its leader and Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters saying his party had influenced the change.
He said officials had been using their discretion effectively to get around the requirements of being a "partner", which meant the rules weren't being enforced.
But Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern intervened, ordering a return to the status quo.
RNZ political editor Jane Patterson has the latest.
