Time for a breather from xenophobic scapegoating
Labour’s call for a ‘breather on immigration’ obscures the real causes of strained infrastructure, says Migrant and Refugee Rights Campaign spokesperson Gayaal Iddamalgoda.

“Labour blames immigration for the strain on infrastructure,” says Gayaal. “But most of Auckland’s population growth is natural increase – meaning people giving birth.”

“Labour proposes cutting student visas, yet students are unlikely to buy houses or use motorways.”

“The housing crisis is a product of profiteering, and congestion is a product of underinvestment in public transport. They have local causes. Neither can be addressed by blocking free movement.”

“A breather from xenophobic scapegoating might help us address the real causes of strained infrastructure.”

RELEASE ENDS.