Dunne: NZ needs a Multiculturalism Act

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.

Dunne: Titewhai Harawira not fit to escort PM again

UnitedFuture leader Peter Dunne today called on Prime Minister John Key to assure New Zealanders that he would not allow Maori activist Titewhai Harawira to be his escort at next year’s Waitangi Day celebrations.

 “Mrs Harawira and her supporters’ behaviour at the Maori Party’s weekend hui was so abusive and disgusting that the Prime Minister should make the call that she is not a fit and proper person to be accorded that kind of honour.

 “He does not need to associate the office of the Prime Minister and by extension, all New Zealanders, with someone who behaves in such an abhorrent manner.

 “I think a lot of New Zealanders were appalled to see her in that role at this year’s Waitangi Day commemorations given her aggressive and abusive history.

 “Her behaviour at the weekend should not be further rewarded,” Mr Dunne said.

 “Apparently Hone Harawira has defended his mother’s actions as that of a kuia. I saw only one kuia who befits the dignity of that term and that was Tariana Turia,” Mr Dunne said.

Dunne: Jerry Mateparae has mana for Governor-General role

UnitedFuture leader Peter Dunne welcomed the appointment today of Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae as New Zealand’s next Governor-General.

 “This is a very good choice indeed,” Mr Dunne said.

 “Lieutenant General Mateparae has become a very well known and respected figure in recent years, and has been at the centre of some real moments of nationhood in his previous role as the Chief of the Defence Force through a difficult period of active engagement.

 “He brought dignity and strength at times of great national sadness when Defence Force personnel died, both in New Zealand and in foreign lands.

 “I think he fundamentally understands and represents the New Zealand character and will be a worthy successor to Sir Anand Satyanand who has served so well.

 “Jerry Mateparae is a man with the credentials to do the job; the mana to hold the office and he has that indefinable quality that makes him someone special,” Mr Dunne said.

Dunne: Reclaim or rename Waitangi Day for all New Zealanders

 All of New Zealand needs to reclaim Waitangi Day, and if that means renaming it New Zealand Day or choosing another day as a true New Zealand Day, then that should happen, UnitedFuture leader and Ohariu MP Peter Dunne said today.

 “New Zealanders have had a gutsful of being made to feel bad about being New Zealanders,” he said.

 “And it has got to the point where one ill-informed individual with a loud-hailer and intimidating thugs demanding ‘koha’ in a manner that actually breaches their own tikanga, are turning Waitangi Day into a farce.

 “If there is an argument that Waitangi Day protests prompted us to address things that needed addressing and still need our vigilance, that’s fine, but there has got to be more to our national day than that.

 “We have so many wonderful things about this country that we should be celebrating; we have achieved great things as a nation and continue to do so. We need to be proud of all of that and celebrate what it is to be a Kiwi.

 “Waitangi Day is not doing that and has not for a long time

 “We very rarely have New Zealanders come out of Waitangi with a feeling of being more united, positive or upbeat – and let’s be blunt, non-Maori New Zealanders are basically staying away.

 “We deserve a day of true celebration and pride. That does not mean we brush things aside that need attention, but we deserve a day that actually says to us all that it is great to be a Kiwi of whatever ethnic background, and that we are one, and that we have a huge amount to be grateful for in this country,” Mr Dunne said.

 “Waitangi Day is important, but it could be so much more. It has been hijacked by the angry few.”

Constitutional review needs to include republic debate

UnitedFuture leader Peter Dunne has welcomed the wide-ranging review of New Zealand’s constitutional arrangements announced today.

 “I am delighted with the announcement of the review as I believe that such an exercise has long been overdue in this country,” said Mr Dunne.

 “However, I am bitterly disappointed that there is no specific provision within the terms of reference to look at whether or not New Zealand should move to become a republic.”

 “You cannot have a credible constitutional review without specifically looking at the republic issue, and to try to pretend otherwise would be farcical.”

 “I think New Zealanders are ready to have that discussion, and rather than sweep it under the carpet, the review should address it up front.”

 “Having a constitutional review that avoids the republic issue would be as meaningful as having Christmas without Christmas Day.”

 “As the Chair of the Constitution Arrangements Select Committee that sat during 2004 and 2005 I am extremely keen to be involved in this review and to take part in the cross-party reference group,” said Mr Dunne.