Speech: Collins - Diverse Bananas, Global Dragons conference
Hon Judith Collins
Minister for
Ethnic Affairs
30 May
2014 Speech
Speech: Diverse
Bananas, Global Dragons conference
30
May 2014, Auckland
Ladies and gentlemen,
warm greetings and good evening to you all.
It’s a
great pleasure to be here this evening to open the 2014
edition of the Diverse Bananas, Global Dragons
Conference.
In New Zealand we value the contribution of every person that has made this country their home. I’d like to say that as people put their faith, trust and commitment in New Zealand, so must we to all who choose to make New Zealand their home.
People of Chinese origin
are increasingly choosing New Zealand as a place they want
to settle down and make a real contribution. And we are
truly lucky to have such a diverse range of talented and
experienced fellow New Zealanders.
For over 130 years
Chinese New Zealanders have been industry pioneers and
agricultural leaders. I know that many of you here this
evening are in fact descendants of these very early
pioneers, whether it’s the dairy industry, gold and all
sorts of other areas. Our economy is stronger with new
businesses and innovation and this helps boost our
entrepreneurial spirit.
While we often celebrate the heritage, traditions and historic contributions of Chinese New Zealanders, it’s great to see an event dedicated to celebrating the here and now contribution of New Zealanders - like everyone in this room tonight.
New Zealand has a
fantastic and well deserved international reputation for its
equal opportunities and harmonious relations. This
Government has been unwavering in our dedication to
supporting and encouraging New Zealanders to succeed no
matter where they were born or what they think their
prospects are.
Unfortunately there are always going to be
some people who don’t like ‘tall poppies’ and think we
should stop certain groups of people taking initiative and
being successful.
Sadly some recent political statements have taken aim at Chinese migrants to New Zealand. Don’t pay any attention to these ill-informed comments. It is my deep hope that in about three months’ time, those people will know how truly wrong they were.
Please remember that the vast majority of New Zealanders love our diversity and love being part of such a wonderful country. Do not ever let the small minority get you down.
All New Zealanders should
be proud of our diversity as a country. We have more than
200 different ethnicities in New Zealand and of those, our
Chinese population is one of the fastest growing. That is
something we should celebrate.
The reality is that New
Zealand is a place where everyone has the opportunity to get
ahead and be successful. It’s up to each person to make
the most of it.
The Government is committed to building
the economy, and ensuring that New Zealand remains a great
place to live. An essential element to laying these
foundations is our improving relationships across South East
Asia and North Asia.
We began this process by signing the New Zealand-China Free Trade Agreement in 2008, and the Hong Kong, China Closer Economic Partnership Agreement in 2010. While such agreements initiate closer economic ties, by themselves they are not enough.
All New Zealanders – academics, businesses and individuals – have an important role to play.
Social and professional connections can lead
to greater trade opportunities between New Zealand and other
countries that are half a world away.
I grew up in a New
Zealand where our largest trading partner was the United
Kingdom. Now things have changed and we are very grateful to
also be trading well in this part of the
world.
Connections that help everyone get ahead has been our focus with the Office of Ethnic Affairs – to build solid and long-lasting relationships where the benefits of international experience and also domestic experience can be shared.
In this way, events like this Diverse Bananas,
Global Dragons Conference play an important role,
particularly being led by active members of the
community.
These conferences create the opportunity to
appreciate, learn about and maximise the great business
acumen and strong drive for success within our many
communities.
Over the next two days, you’ll have the privilege of hearing from a range of luminaries from New Zealand’s Chinese community – people who have found success in a variety of sectors, including business, law and academia.
I hope you all enjoy the conference ahead and
take the opportunity to build further connections and
inspire your fellow New Zealanders on your journey.
Thank
you for contributing to the foundations of New Zealand’s
on-going prosperity.
Thank you and good
evening.
ENDS