Anti-racism rally organisers ask questions over right-wing extremists

By MONIQUE DEVEREUX, South Island correspondent

An Asian group is questioning why its anti-racism rally in Christchurch is under review while the racist National Front is allowed to exist.

Mayor Garry Moore backs the march but he wants it promoted more as a "harmony" march than a forum to talk about racism, as he is concerned about the image the march may give the city.

Extremist right-wing group the New Zealand National Front, which promotes an anti-Asian message and wants sex offenders executed, has said it will hold a "counter rally" at the same time as the anti-racism march.

The National Front does not have council consent to hold a rally but as of last night police have not told the group its presence would be illegal.

But Lincoln Tan, a trustee for Christchurch-based Asian Youth Trust, questioned the council's priorities.

"It's like the bureaucracy is saying 'you Asians, back off because the National Front is coming'. I come from Singapore where any group who publicly incites racial disharmony is shut down by police pretty quickly," Mr Tan said.

The Asian Youth Trust, set up after a council report found there were many problems facing young people, says resources for the service are not good enough to make a difference.

Christchurch has over 20,000 international students, many of whom study at the city's 35 language schools.

The trust provides "basic survival information" - advice and assistance for young people who come to New Zealand to live or study.

But the council funding only stretches to employ one part-time worker.

Mr Tan said that Mr Moore's suggestion of a long-term approach to solving racial problems, namely talking through issues at the Christchurch Intercultural Assembly, was also flawed because there were no "Kiwi groups" involved.

"The assembly is a good way of getting the migrant community to interact with each other but it is not effective in the integration process. There is no way an organisation like that can address the racism issue, which the mayor is saying they can do."

Mr Tan is also involved in the organisation of this weekend's anti-racism march and rally.