Hon Peter Dunne
MP for Ohariu
Leader of UnitedFuture

Wednesday, 11 May 2011

UnitedFuture leader Peter Dunne has reiterated the urgent need for New Zealand to formally establish itself as a multicultural nation to stamp out the blatant racism of groups such as the National Front.

“UnitedFuture wants to see Parliament pass a Multiculturalism Act, similar to Canada’s, formally recognising New Zealand’s growing multicultural flavour, and further protecting immigrant communities from racism,” Mr Dunne said in the wake of a recent anti-Asian pamphlet campaign in Christchurch.

“Official statistics already show that almost one in three New Zealanders today are of non-European origin – within the next 15 years that is likely to increase to over 40 percent.

“By 2021, for example, a quarter of our population will be of either Asian or Pacific origin.

“A Multiculturalism Act should ensure everyone enjoys equal treatment and protection under the law, while formally acknowledging the freedom of all members of New Zealand society to preserve, enhance and share their cultural heritage without fear of persecution,” he said.

“We need to work harder on making New Zealand a closer, more coherent society, where we respect each others’ differences and the contributions that a diverse range of communities can make here.

“I think there are many more people of goodwill in this land than there are bigots, and can have a very positive future ahead if we are prepared to work for it,” he said.

ENDS

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