Complaint laid over Mutu 'racism'

Dr Margaret Mutu's comments have been labelled 'racist' by Ngapuhi leader David Rankin. Photo / NZ Herald

A formal complaint has been laid to the Race Relations Commissioner over comments made by academic Margaret Mutu about the need to restrict "white" immigration.

In a Fairfax Media newspaper at the weekend Professor Mutu said the number of people coming from South Africa, England and the United States should be restricted, as they bring attitudes of white supremacy and are destructive to Maori.

That outraged Nga Puhi leader David Rankin, who said the comments were racist and a step "too far".

He said: "The advice I have is that she has breached the Race Relations Act and needs to be held accountable for it".

Mr Rankin says he's written a complaint to the Race Relations Commissioner - and has included Professor Mutu's employer Auckland University in it.

"They continue to have her on the payroll", he explains, "and have come out to support and endorse her racist comments".

David Rankin's letter to Race Relations Commissioner Joris De Bres

Tena koe Mr De Bres,

This letter relates to recent statements made by Margaret Mutu of Auckland University regarding immigration by 'white' migrants as she put it.

Ms Mutu, in her public statements about immigration - particularly her claim that the immigration of 'white' people to New Zealand should be reduced because they are allegedly racist, has been demonstrating discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, and ethnic and national origins.

I would therefore like to formally lodge my complaint against Ms Mutu's comments and request that your office investigate them.

I would also like you to apply a similar investigation into Auckland University, as they had released a statement supporting her in her comments and they continue to employ her.

Thank you
David Rankin

- NZ Herald staff