You know the election is nigh ...

... when Winston Peters starts making speeches about immigration to Grey Power audiences. Stuff reports on the visit of the underemployed Foreign Minister ('E's not dead; 'e's restin'!) to Nelson today:

NZ First leader Winston Peters, whose fiery outbursts against immigration ruffled feathers in Asia before he was installed as Foreign Minister, returned to his favourite electioneering topic in a speech to Grey Power today.

Mr Peters stood down from his ministerial portfolios while under investigation for failing to declare party donations - meaning there was no longer any need for him to be circumspect in his comments on immigration.

Consequently he was able to return to one of his favourite campaign issues in Nelson this afternoon.

Mr Peters told his audience the government should restrict the number of people moving to New Zealand.

"NZ First is announcing today that immigration numbers will be cut to ensure Kiwis do not have to compete with immigrants for jobs as our economy goes into decline," Mr Peters said.

"We must never return to open door immigration undermining the efforts of New Zealanders trying to find a job in tough times. When times are tough internationally immigrants are attracted to New Zealand like moths to a neon light."

What's that old saying? The more things change, the more they stay the same!