Immigration And Kim Dotcom
MANA Leader and Tai Tokerau MP Hone Harawira
“I just got a call from National Business Review reporter, asking whether there was any contradiction between my
thoughts on immigration in 2009 and now, particularly given MANA’s newly minted relationship with Kim Dotcom” said MANA
leader and Tai Tokerau MP, Hone Harawira.”
“In 2009, I am quoted as saying …We should give due recognition to the importance of kaupapa Maori to immigration. For example, there is a policy
whereby an immigrant can come in, put down two million dollars and he's in, basically. You know? No tests, no
arrangements, just drop the bucks. We have to get away from that so that our future is based on kaupapa - it's like
principles…”
“Well, in 2014, my views haven’t changed on millionaire immigrants at all” said Harawira.”
“Unfortunately though, government’s rules haven’t changed much either. They still let anyone with a lot of money into
the country without any regard to kaupapa Maori.”
“But thanks to MANA, Kim Dotcom has gone through a completely different process.”
“He’s endured a lengthy and harrowing initiation with myself and other very kaupapa-minded Maori activists. He’s been
grilled by people noted for their undying commitment to social justice, and he’s attended and addressed the AGM of the
MANA Movement, the country’s most progressive political force.”
“He also began a national tour at Te Rerenga Wairua (where the Maori Land March and the Foreshore and Seabed March
began). He’s spoken to local hapu and iwi at Potahi marae in Te Kao, Kohewhata marae in Kaikohe, Te Whare Runanga in
Waitangi, and Terenga Paraoa marae in Whangarei. He’s spoken to predominantly Maori audiences in Kaitaia, Kaikohe,
Kerikeri, Whangarei, North Shore and Kelston.”
“And he’s on the same demanding schedule over the next five weeks right across the country.”
“It seems to me that the process that Kim Dotcom is still going through four months after first engaging with MANA, is
the process that every millionaire immigrant should go through when they come here.”
“Perhaps the NBR might want to recommend the MANA Immigration Policy for Millionaires for other parties to adopt.”
ENDS