Wayne Mapp National Justice Spokesperson

26 July 2001

Greens play cheap politics

National is deeply concerned about racial prejudice and division in New Zealand. It is our goal to build a tolerant and cohesive society that embraces everyone. This is precisely why we don't support the Bay of Plenty Bill, National's Justice Spokesperson Wayne Mapp said today.

Dr Mapp was responding to claims by Jeanette Fitzsimons of racism by National in a postcard campaign opposing the Bay of Plenty Bill. The Bill will create separate Maori seats on local authorities.

"While Ms Fitzsimons is rightfully disgusted at racist remarks written on some postcards, she does concede that most of the cards were expressing a genuine concern which is legitimate and which she has listened to.

"It is cheap politics on her part to try to connect National to a small, racist minority which she knows full well National does not support.

"National wants to build a shared future for all New Zealanders. The Bay of Plenty Bill, which the Greens support, is more likely to divide people than unite them.

"National is at a loss to understand why the Greens, who so loudly proclaim their desire to lift the tone of political debate, have stooped so low in the gutter of politics with this kind of baseless attack," Dr Mapp said.

Ends

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