Politics

MP stands by Mexico wage comments

16:03 pm on 24 April 2012

Labour MP David Parker is unapologetic over comments he made about Mexico and low wage rates.

Mexico's ambassador to New Zealand, Leonora Rueda, has written to Mr Parker, accusing him of mis-representing Mexico and its economic situation.

Mr Parker was responding to news Australian companies are relocating operations to New Zealand because of lower wages.

He said Labour does not want New Zealand to become what he called Australia's Mexico, providing cheap labour to its wealthier neighbour.

Mr Parker says he was just stating facts, and has nothing to apologise for.

Mrs Rueda says the MP needs a better understanding of Mexico and its progress towards becoming an influential and more open world economy.

She told Morning Report that while there are lower wages in Mexico, that is not the only reason that the country attracts investment from the United States and other countries.

Listen to Leonora Rueda and David Parker