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Dunne seeks broader emphasis on multicultural New Zealand

UnitedFuture leader Peter Dunne wants a broader emphasis placed on New Zealand’s future as a multicultural society.

Speaking to the Federation of Ethnic Councils in Wellington this morning, Mr Dunne said he believes that New Zealand can become the world’s first truly multi cultural, multi ethnic nation, where the New Zealander of the future is equally at home in the environs of Asia, Europe, and the Pacific, and able to draw from all those heritages.

He said that while the relationship between Maori and Pakeha would always be paramount, it was currently in danger of becoming too narrowly focused.

“New Zealand is a rich mixture of cultures – it is not just Maori and the rest – and we need to be placing equal emphasis on all the cultures and backgrounds that influence the shape of New Zealand today, and ensuring they have an opportunity to contribute effectively to the development of our shared nationhood.

“UnitedFuture proposes a “Multiculturalism Act” to give formal recognition to New Zealand’s growing multicultural status.

“We think such legislation should ensure everyone enjoys equal treatment and protection under the law, while respecting and valuing their diversity; advance the understanding that multiculturalism reflects the cultural and racial diversity of New Zealand society; foster the recognition and appreciation of the diverse cultures of New Zealand society and promote the expression of those cultures; and, encourage and support New Zealand's public institutions to be respectful and inclusive of New Zealand's multicultural character,” he said.

Mr Dunne also called for National to honour its election commitment for an early referendum on the future of the Maori seats in Parliament, saying that UnitedFuture believes that the current system “politically ghettoised” Maori, and that all New Zealanders deserved the right of representation in Parliament, regardless of ethnic or cultural status.

Mr Dunne believed it was now time for changes to immigration and resettlement policy to make them more “family friendly” to new migrants.

“We should establish a retirement visa to allow parents of permanent residents and citizens to be sponsored to settle in New Zealand, provided the majority of immediate family members are already resident in New Zealand, and ensure that those who arrive in New Zealand on family or humanitarian grounds are supported into viable training and employment opportunities,” he said.

Mr Dunne urged ethnic groups to have a fresh look at their political strategy – and to perhaps take a leaf out of the Maori Party’s book.

“A broad brush approach is understandable, but not always likely to bring success.

“While I do not think a separate ethnically based party is feasible or desirable, the Maori Party has shown that focusing exclusively on its interests can bring political success, so, on the basis of ‘unity is strength’ maybe it is time for ethnic communities to consider a tighter focus of more active support of political parties dedicated to promoting their interests,” he said.

Mends

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