UnitedFuture voters believe we must embrace the modern, changing face of New Zealand
We acknowledge that New Zealand’s demographic make up is and will continue to change as our population grows. Understanding and welcoming unfamiliar faces, cultural practices, languages and values is essential to our future success as a trading nation and as a stable and vibrant society.
Immigrants should be embraced and welcomed as an asset to our country, rather than feared as something unfamiliar and a drain on our resources. Overwhelmingly they are hard working and appreciative of being given the opportunity to live and raise their families here.
Experience from other parts of the world, such as Europe, show that we need to actively manage the process of integrating incoming citizens. However, the focus should not simply be on integrating the newcomers, but also on educating the existing population. Efforts must be made by people from both groups to build a healthy society that is both diverse and harmonious.
We must also ensure that the pressure population flows create, including from both internal and external sources, is properly managed. Whether it’s New Zealanders returning from overseas, people from regional centres moving to Auckland, or new migrants landing on our shores, investment must be made in the infrastructure required to support these flows. This includes housing, transport, schools etc. Arguably, if the current population inflows had been adequately planned for we would not be having an immigration debate. The focus of this debate should therefore be on why we failed to adequately plan for this situation and how to do better in future, not that we must now wind the clock back because of this poor planning.
Healthy debate on the pros and cons of immigration (indeed of any topic) is a good thing, but we must ensure it is not influenced by irrational, unsubstantiated fear, and also that it takes us forward, not backward, as a nation.
UnitedFuture is embracing this diversity as a good thing for our country. We’re also seeking greater diversity of perspectives and experiences on our Board. If you agree and want to be a part of making our vision a reality please get in touch.
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