Raymond Huo
Member of Parliament

3 April 2009 Media Statement

Asian community delighted at Helen Clark’s appointment

The Chinese and other Asian communities are delighted at the appointment of former Labour Prime Minister Helen Clark to the third most powerful role in the United Nations as Administrator for the UN Development Programme, says Chinese-born Labour MP Raymond Huo.

“The Chinese and wider Asian communities are proud of Helen’s immense contributions in both New Zealand and on the world stage, and particularly proud of what she achieved in terms of furthering the New Zealand relationship with Asia,” Raymond Huo said.

“She has been brilliant on so many levels in terms of the New Zealand-Asia connection, achieving more than any other New Zealand Prime Minister. She has been inspiring, and certainly inspired me to become the first Chinese member of Labour’s caucus.

“Helen’s achievements as Prime Minister began almost immediately following the election in 1999 when she created the Ministerial portfolio for Ethnic Affairs in December 1999. The ministerial appointment was followed by the launch of the Office of Ethnic Affairs in May 2001. These were both important developments for the ethnic community in New Zealand,” Raymond Huo said.

“Another event of tremendous significance to the Chinese community in New Zealand was Helen’s formal apology on 12 February 2002 to Chinese people who had paid the poll tax 100 years ago in New Zealand and suffered racial discrimination, and to their descendants.

“Throughout the term of the Labour Government, Helen’s independent foreign policy and the development of New Zealand’s role as a peacemaker were widely admired in Asia, and this helps explain why her biography has been so popular in the wider Asian community,” Raymond Huo said. “The description --- small nation, giant statesperson --- never fitted anyone better than Helen.

“Among the greatest achievements of Helen’s Government were the signing of the FTA with China and the completion of negotiations for the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand FTA. Current Labour Leader Phil Goff played a huge part in both agreements, but I know Helen provided him with great support.

“The final achievement I want to mention is the development two years ago of the White Paper, Our Future with Asia. In the foreword to that document Helen Clark wrote that strengthening ‘ties with Asia will involve a long-term, sustained commitment where future generations also have a contribution to make’,” Raymond Huo said.

“She is quite right, of course, but future generations will find it easier to develop the relationship with Asia after the nine years of sustained and remarkable commitment Helen Clark provided.

“It is that sort of commitment to other peoples that has been recognised in Helen’s UN appointment. I can only say again how proud the Chinese and wider Asian community is of Helen’s appointment, and how much we are in awe of her as a person.

“For me personally, I am so proud to have been part of her team in the last general election. I have learnt hugely from her. I will miss her, but wish her all the very best in her new position.”

ENDS

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