The division between Labour and its coalition partner New Zealand First grew last week - with the Prime Minister saying if voters don't like what Shane Jones has said about Indian students they can show their displeasure at the ballot box.

Jones told The Nation last weekend: "I think the number of students that have come from India have ruined many of those [educational] institutions."

It lead to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern delivered her strongest rebuke to Jones yet, suggesting that if he was a Labour MP, he would face demotion for his comments.

She also urged voters to condemn Jones' comments – which have been labelled "racist" and "irresponsible" by the Race Relations Commissioner Meng Foon – and to "act on their values when it comes to election time".

"We are in an election year and that has, I think, driven electioneering out of some of the different parties that are in Parliament – that includes parties in the Government," she told the Indian Weekender.

However, she has not stood him down as a Minister.

Political commentator Matthew Hooton joined The Weekend Collective to discuss the fallout and why Ardern has the power - and should use it - against Shane Jones. 

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