14 August 2002
No More Queue Jumping Please - Peters
“Zimbabwe farmers displaced by the evil antics of that country’s ruthless dictator and Prime Minister Robert Mugabe,
have our sympathy but no greater entitlement to be considered for resettlement in New Zealand, then any other genuine
refugee,” said New Zealand First Leader and MP for Tauranga, Rt Hon Winston Peters.
Mr Peters was commenting on the urgings of other political parties, for the New Zealand Government to give special
status to Zimbabwe farmers driven from their land by Magabe’s regime.
“Immigration policies must be consistent and we must treat everybody the same with strict criteria being observed to
ensure the needs of New Zealand are uppermost in the minds of those responsible for selecting immigrants or refugees for
settlement in New Zealand,” said Mr Peters.
“For far too long, New Zealand has implemented policies based upon a feel good factor for the Immigration Minister
rather than the needs of New Zealand and all New Zealanders,” concluded Mr Peters.
ENDS