' Time to conduct a mature debate about racism and cultural diversity'

Co-leader of the Maori Party Tariana Turia, says the time has come for New Zealanders to conduct a mature debate about racism and cultural diversity.

“Almost quarter of a century ago, the Maori Perspective Advisory Committee chaired by the late John Rangihau, produced a key report which outlined the impact of racism at a personal level, a cultural level and an institutional level” said Mrs Turia.

"That report, Puao-te-ata-tu, recommended that government “attack all forms of cultural racism in New Zealand that result in the values and lifestyle of the dominant group being regarded as superior to those of other groups, especially Maori”.

“How disturbing then, to read of the actions of a right wing white supremacist group promulgating flyers featuring a skull with the words ‘stop the Asian invasion’.

“One wonders what has changed in all these years – and how our future will evolve unless we grapple with the issues of racism and prejudice”.

“I have relatives who are of Chinese-Maori descent” said Mrs Turia. “Indeed there would be many communities where intermarriage or educational and employment opportunities have enabled Asian families to live alongside other New Zealand families as part of the cultural fabric of that place”.

"No racism by any people towards another culture should be tolerated" said Mrs Turia.

"Outbursts which threaten and abuse others, based on cultural difference, are unacceptable and must not be condoned - whether it be face to face, or via facebook - the ugly face of racism must be addressed".

“We should be looking for what unites us, and respecting difference” said Mrs Turia.

“Fortunately the actions of organisations such as the National Front; the Right Wing Resistance Movement or the Coastal Coalition are part of a fringe element which thinking New Zealanders will dismiss as the politics of hate”.

“Our policy norms and our attitudes and behaviours have to change to reflect the demographic diversity of our times” said Mrs Turia.

“It is clearly a problem for society if some segments are agitating against particular populations – whether it be Maori, Asian, Pasifika or any of the diverse cultures that live in Aotearoa”.

“The central issue is that if we fear difference, rather than respect diversity, our future will be one based on conflict and division, rather than a pathway to unity and pride in our nationhood”.