Many Chinese and Indians have been here in NZ for generations. Chinese and Indians have been here since the late 1800s, and because Indians were considered “British Subjects”, that left Chinese no where. Chinese were here when Te Tiriti was signed and they were neither tangata whenua or the Crown. (Note, Indians were considered British Subjects and therefore the Crown)
Chinese paid to live and work here in the early days, where the Pakeha took the profit from the gold mining. They were never considered as natural residents (even if they were born in New Zealand) until 1960s.
And recent report from Human Rights Commission proved that Asians face most discrimination, again, for the 5th year in a row.
The Asian population is the second largest group here in Auckland, that’s a fact. As I say all the time it is too late to get rid of them.
Aucklanders have the fun of attending all the Asian festivals, eat the Asian food and buy Asian goods. It is now time to see them as active contributors to this society, not just someone we take advatange on. As a Panel Member I found it a little difficult to believe that there is nothing in the Auckland Plan to meet the needs of the Asian community.
I don’t believe and think it is wrong to see Asians as different and need special needs, contra to what other says. We need to, however, start seeing them as part of New Zealand. Not just part of a migrant community.
Asia consist of more than just Chinese. It is diverse and complex. And for some of us, English can be our first language. The only reason why we couldn’t understand Kiwis sometimes is because Kiwis doesn’t speak the Queen’s English or the American English where many of us used back in our hometown.
Considered China is New Zealand’s second largest trading partner, why is it so hard for Kiwis to just embrace us?
People often feel morally incorrect to discriminate those with disabilities or overweight (or at least openly discriminate), and only 3.6% responded that people with disabilities are discriminated, compared to 39.7% against Asians. Why is it ok to discriminate Asians? Is this the message we want to tell to our Asian trading partners? The message that we want money from you but we actually really hate you?
It is just not ok to discriminate, whether it is gender, age, physical attributes, sexual orientation, ethnicity, occupation, income, etc. Full stop!
Racism is Wrong
