29 July 2002

Complaint against New Zealand First

The Progressive Coalition is lodging an official complaint against New Zealand First after they attempted to incite racism on election day, says Matt Robson.

The complaint has been made to the Chief Electoral Officer, David Henry.

The leaflet was distributed in Auckland letterboxes on election day calling on people to vote against ‘the flood of immigrants’ and vote New Zealand First.

The leaflet blames all immigrants for ‘crowds, pollution, infill housing, battery-chicken apartments and traffic congestion’.

“The rules are quite clear: no campaigning on election day in any form at all. New Zealand First flouted the rules,” says Matt Robson

“But more importantly, it was an offensive leaflet even for New Zealand First, once again pitting New Zealander against New Zealander in a mock race war.

“Many of the Progressive Coalition candidates, particularly in Auckland are immigrants. They are successful business people, teachers, and community leaders. They were shocked and upset.

“Some of them have fled the worst excesses of racism in other countries, only to come to New Zealand and meet Winston Peters.

“The Progressive Coalition will continue to be a strong voice in this parliament on behalf on immigrant New Zealanders,” says Matt Robson.

Ends

© Scoop Media