Act insists migrants must fit in

By VERNON SMALL

New Zealand should scrap its "colour-blind" approach to immigration and discriminate on the basis of religion and cultural background, says Act MP Stephen Franks.

Wading into the debate which has seen New Zealand First leader Winston Peters slammed from all sides of the House for his views on immigration, Mr Franks said he did not want migrants who did not respect women's rights or whose cultural background was opposed to religious freedom.

"In my opinion the Government should reject people from cultures which do not respect religious freedom.

"For instance I do not respect Islam," he said.

That did not mean he would ban all migrants from such cultures, but would favour quotas to ensure they did not "swamp" the locals.

"We do not want to create ghettos of people whose values are intractably opposed to ours."

People had the right to determine the flavour and the cultural climate they wanted in their country.

Last month, Mr Franks wrote to Immigration Minister Lianne Dalziel asking why she was prepared to discriminate against New Zealanders on the basis of race, but not foreign migrants.

"We call for the elimination of all race discrimination in law affecting New Zealanders. It is a right of citizenship to be treated equally by the New Zealand Government. The Government owes no such duty, and nor should it, to foreigners," he said.

The Government "should never ignore culture and ethnic background matters in foreign affairs and immigration".

New Zealanders had fought to ensure their cultural values were not "subordinated to those of equally sincere and determined but different foreign cultures".

"The Government can and must take account of cultural backgrounds and suitabilities and pressures in deciding who gains the privileges of New Zealand citizens.

"We do not, for example, want an indigestible mass of newcomers who regard corruption, or the subjugation of women or religious coercion, as normal (or even vital) parts of their culture."

In reply Ms Dalziel said: "As long as I am Minister of Immigration we will not have an immigration policy that specifies the colour of an individual's skin as a pre-requisite for residence in New Zealand."

Mr Franks said it was sad when the main figure in the debate, Mr Peters, was deliberately offensive and hurtful. His examples tapped into prejudice and stereotype.

"He ties disease together with groups that he wants to crack down on. That doesn't mean the issues aren't legitimate. It is right to debate these. It's no good just screaming 'racist'."

Mr Franks said New Zealand had done well from its immigrant groups, but many Maori would say an open door policy in the 1960s and 1970s had been bad for them.

"It created a competing group of brown people whose impact on the job market and elsewhere was tough on Maori."

Mr Franks said he found many cultures and values attractive, and had travelled to many countries.

"I like the difference. But that doesn't mean I want to live with it. And I think that's a legitimate choice for people to make."

Feature: Immigration