United Attacks Henare's "Sinister Bullying" Of Race Relations Conciliator

United New Zealand leader, Hon Peter Dunne, has attacked Maori Affairs Minister Tau Henare's comments that the Race Relations Conciliator is not sufficiently "pro-Treaty" in his decisions as "sinister bullying."

"The Race Relations Conciliator's office was established to benefit all New Zealanders, not just one group, and Mr Henare's comments simply fuel separatism."

"He is threatening Dr Prasad none too subtly that unless he concentrates more on Maori concerns, at the expense of the concerns of other ethnic minorities, his position will be abolished."

"That sinister bullying is unacceptable and sends a clear, separatist signal, unfortunately, that Mauri Pacific sees the interests of other New Zealanders as secondary to those of Maori," he says.

Mr Dunne says United, now incorporating the former Ethnic Minority Party, believes it is vital for New Zealand's future as a multicultural society that the Race Relations Conciliator is able to deal on an equal basis with all New Zealanders, regardless of ethnic origin.

He says there should be no inherent bias in favour of one group at the expense of others built into his role, the way Mr Henare is suggesting.

"As a liberal party, United believes in the innate equality of every individual."

"We recognise and respect New Zealand's bicultural heritage, but we also acknowledge and welcome the reality that today we are a growing multicultural society whose diversity should be celebrated."

"Mr Henare's comments show he has no desire to accept that growing reality, which is lamentable."

"I hope both the Government and the Conciliator will stand up to this appalling bullying and treat Mr Henare's latest outburst with the contempt it deserves," Mr Dunne says.

ENDS
New Zealand's Liberal Party

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