Call for Ardern to rule out NZ First

Cat MacLennan writes:

It is time for Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to rule out working with New Zealand First after the 2020 election. …

New Zealand First has traded on racism and the demonising of immigrants since it was first set up in 1993. Each election cycle, anti-immigrant rhetoric is ramped up with the goal of appealing to voters.

New Zealand is only days away from remembering the 15 March 2019 Christchurch mosque attacks. There could be no more horrifying lesson about the dangers of racism. Public vilification of specific ethnic groups not only entrenches prejudice, it gives comfort and support to those with extreme, anti-immigrant views.

When this rhetoric comes from politicians – and, even worse, from Cabinet ministers – the impact is magnified because of their powerful positions and the media coverage they draw.

Despite this, New Zealand First MP and Minister Shane Jones on Saturday stated that Indian students were ruining New Zealand’s education system. When challenged about his remarks, he doubled down and his leader, Peters, rejected the (correct) claim that the remarks were racist.

This is not what the country needs from our politicians. New Zealand should be working to make immigrants safer, not condoning them being abused by those at the highest level of our society.

David Lange would have sacked a Cabinet Minister for such racism.

Jim Bolger would have sacked a Cabinet Minister for such racism.

Jenny Shipley would have sacked a Cabinet Minister for such racism.

Helen Clark would have sacked a Cabinet Minister for such racism.

John Key would have sacked a Cabinet Minister for such racism.

Bill English would have sacked a Cabinet Minister for such racism.