Rajen Prasad
Spokesperson for Immigration
2 May 2014
Rajen Prasad will not seek re-election
Labour’s Immigration spokesperson Rajen Prasad says he has decided not to seek re-nomination for another term in
Parliament at the next election.
“I have approached my professional and public life over the last 20 years, in the spirit of moving on to new challenges
once I had made my parliamentary contribution. My sixth year as a parliamentarian has also been a time to reflect on
this role and consider other challenges I might accept.
“I have made this decision not to remain in Parliament, together with my family and friends and have informed the Party
leader.
“I have been enormously privileged to have been given an opportunity to represent ethnic communities in general and the
Indian community in particular in Parliament and in the Labour caucus. This has happened at a time of enormous ethnic
diversification in New Zealand.
“My activism for the Indian community has called on the experience I gained as the Race Relations Conciliator, Human
Rights Commissioner and a Member of the Residence Review Board.
“My experience from my life and my background in social policy and the front line social services has been critical in
framing our Immigration and Ethnic Affairs policies for the next election.
“I look forward to new challenges in the international environment as well as in business in the next stage of my life.”
ENDS