By ALAN PERROTT
The Minister of Immigration says refugee hunger strikers in Aotea Square are in effect holding a gun to her head.
"Their actions are blackmail," Lianne Dalziel said yesterday.
'It's like putting a gun to my head and saying to all and sundry that this is how you get the Minister of Immigration to change her mind.
"The Minister of Immigration will not respond to threats or deal with anyone on a hunger strike."
Five more hunger strikers were taken to hospital yesterday after collapsing from dehydration.
Their rapid decline has been accelerated by the refusal of most to drink any fluids, an action that risks long-term kidney damage.
Fifteen have now needed hospital treatment and several more are in danger.
The hunger strike began last Wednesday in protest against the exclusion of refugee applicants from the recently announced partial amnesty on overstayers.
Ms Dalziel has said refugee applicants were not included to stop such claims being used as a back door into New Zealand.
Existing legislation prevents failed applicants from seeking any other form of residency permit.
She has instead offered to review the case of any refugee who may meet the amnesty criteria, and assured the protesters that any involvement in the hunger strike would not be held against them.
But the protesters remain determined to refuse food and drink until the minister or her representative visits the site to hear their case for residency.
Speaking through an interpreter, spokesman James Pan said the protesters were not playing politics. Their action was about humanity and fairness.
"People's lives are at stake here," he said. "If she comes down it doesn't mean she sympathises or agrees with us. We don't want to talk to the minister, we want to talk to a person - man to man, not man to Government.
"I plead with the minister to stop using political ploys at a time of life and death."
Mr Pan was involved in a similar hunger strike in Australia.
Ten new volunteers joined the strike yesterday to replace those too ill to continue.
Ms Dalziel has also criticised the "irresponsible" involvement of National MPs Pansy Wong and Marie Hasler, who have been regular visitors to the camp.
"I would be extremely annoyed with Pansy Wong and Marie Hasler if they are aiding and abetting the blackmailing of this Government," said Ms Dalziel.
Ms Hasler, National's immigration spokeswoman, said Ms Dalziel's comments were heartless.
"Saying this is blackmail is quite ridiculous and, compared with the Lianne Dalziel who was in Opposition, heartless."
Ms Hasler, who said the refugees' anger was to be expected given the partial amnesty, called on Ms Dalziel to consider a private meeting with their representatives.
But even as the refugees fight to stay, Ms Dalziel has said she may review the immigration points system to allow more people in.
She said the Immigration Service's target of 38,000 new permanent residents by June 2001 could be raised to as many as 45,000.
I will not be blackmailed, says Dalziel
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