Media Release
2 December 2003
Steve Tells Truth About Immigration
Rt Hon Winston Peters has congratulated Social Development and Employment Minister Steve Maharey for being the first
Labour cabinet member to publicly admit that mass immigration is being used to keep the economy afloat.
In a speech yesterday Mr Maharey said: “ Auckland is the fastest-growing city in a young and dynamic country. A rich blend of cultures, ethnicities, and
languages, the city is a magnet for other New Zealanders and for international arrivals…….”
“….A third of its population was born overseas, and there are at least 180 distinct ethnic groups in the city. A real
twenty-first century melting pot.”
“This population growth is great for business.”…..
Mr Peters said he also applauded the Minister for finally admitting that there was a serious immigrant/refugee/asylum
seeker employment problem in Auckland.
“However, despite his sudden fit of political honesty, the minister conveniently forgot to mention that housing, health,
welfare, education and transport systems were collapsing in Auckland under the weight of mass immigration.
“The problem is that immigration creates growth in consumption, whereas this country needs productive growth.
“Despite the claims of wealth and wellbeing promulgated by the Government’s expensive spin machine, many New Zealanders
are struggling to survive and they resent the huge sums of taxpayers’ money being spent on immigrants and asylum
seekers.
“Mr Maharey’s speech shows the real extent of the Government’s immigration madness. At any other time and place, the
entire cabinet would be would be wrapped in restraints and incarcerated in padded cells in a lunatic asylum,” said Mr
Peters.
ENDS