MEDIA STATEMENT
Rahui Katene
Maori Party MP for Te Tai Tonga
10 December 2010

Katene saddened by skinhead attack

Maori Party MP for Te Tai Tonga Rahui Katene is urging the police, leaders and the communities of Christchurch to put a stop to racist attacks, following skinheads stabbing and beating a 15-year-old Maori boy.

“The police have described it as a racist attack.

“This is not a good look for Christchurch. It should be a place where tangata whenua and all people of different diverse cultures should feel safe.

“This attack happened on a weekend when one if my sons was visiting Christchurch. I shudder to think he could have been the victim if we had gone to the park instead of the movies that evening.

“It makes me think twice about inviting my children and grandchildren to stay with us again until the skinhead problem has been dealt with.”

The Maori Party does not tolerate hate crimes based on race but believes the best way to deal with it is through restorative justice.

ENDS

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