2 April 2002

Alliance leader and Deputy Prime Minister Jim Anderton has paid tribute to Race Relations Commissioner Greg Fortuin.

“Greg Fortuin is an honourable person who has been an excellent Race Relations Commissioner.

“In all his dealings with me, including his work in dealing compassionately with the serious issue of youth suicide, I have found him to be a man of extraordinary honour and integrity.

“It is therefore a sad blow for me personally and for New Zealand that we have lost someone of his calibre from the office of Race Relations Commissioner.

“I hope that Greg can still serve New Zealand in a variety of ways in the future.

“The only reason he was ever involved in the Alliance conflict was precisely that he was seen to be neutral and acting in his private capacity. It is regrettable that his involvement was leaked by some of those involved, and that his impartiality was questioned at that point.

“I do not believe his activity was a politicisation of the Office of Race Relations Conciliator, but I respect his decision to protect the Office from any perception of political bias.”

Ends

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