Kelly should front up to ethnic communities

Foreign Affairs Minister Phil Goff should recall High Commissioner Graham Kelly and require him to front up to the communities he has abused, Green Ethnic Affairs Spokesperson Metiria Turei says.

"It's not good enough for Kelly to hide behind MFAT and the Minister and apologise via a press release," Mrs Turei said. "He should come and meet with ethnic communities, hold meetings on marae and front up to Pacific Island communities to explain himself."

Mrs Turei said that, as a former MP for the ethnically diverse Mana electorate, Mr Kelly should be quite capable of fronting up to constituents he had angered.

"He cannot be allowed to continue his job without taking responsibility for his actions. Kelly's comments have added to the increasing unease of ethnic communities in New Zealand, who are still reeling from legislation such as the Identity (Citizenship) Act and New Zealand First's 'dawn raids' immigration policies.

"He has fuelled the prejudices of some people in this country without bearing any responsibility for the devastating effects of such racism.

"If Kelly wants to keep his job, he should demonstrate some much needed maturity and return to face the New Zealand people," Mrs Turei said.

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