Winston Peters calls out ACT on refugee policy

Winston Peters calls out ACT on refugee policy

They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but not for New Zealand First leader Winston Peters, who has accused ACT of stealing its policy on refugees.

The Government on Monday announced it would increase the refugee quota from 750 to 1000 from 2018.

It's been labelled "miserly", "disappointing" and "less than the bare minimum" by all sides of the political spectrum to address the refugee crisis, which is the worst since World War II.

It also lead ACT Party leader David Seymour to suggest those refugees should sign a statement of commitment to New Zealand's values, much like Australia and Belgium do.

But hold on, Mr Peters says. That's been New Zealand First's policy for years.

"Being a secretive admirer of New Zealand First is no excuse for plagiarising that party's leader's statements," he says.

"That is a direct steal from New Zealand First's long-held policy position on immigrants and refugees."

ACT took to Twitter to say that's been the party's policy since September.

But Mr Peters one-upped them, curtly replying: "Sorry, we've had the policy for 23 yrs. Put that in your pipe and smoke it. Oops underage smoking not allowed."

Newshub.