Tensions erupt between New Zealand and Australia over controversial criminal deportations By foreign affairs reporter Stephen Dziedzic Another trans-Tasman brawl has erupted over Australia's controversial deportations policy after Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton labelled criminals being sent to New Zealand as "trash". The comments drew an angry political reaction in New Zealand, with Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta lashing out at Mr Dutton and New Zealand's Opposition calling on the government to retaliate. The latest controversy from earlier this week, where the broadcaster was permitted to film and question handcuffed deportees as they were being led to a plane that would take them to New Zealand.