Shane Jones, deputy leader of NZ First, caused bewilderment during a speech at BusinessNZ’s election conference in Wellington. His comments linked local vape shops to “unfettered” immigration, a statement that left many in the audience puzzled. Business leaders and fellow politicians struggled to grasp the connection between vaping and immigration policy. The remarks were made during a discussion on economic issues, which typically focuses on trade, taxation, and labor markets. Jones’s statement was seen as out of context, leading to questions about the coherence of his policy positions. The confusion highlights the challenges of addressing complex economic topics in a way that is clear and relevant to all stakeholders.