NZ First policy: don’t speak funny, mate

United Future leader Peter Dunne says he’s been left flabbergasted by New Zealand First’s latest policy on helping new migrants integrate into New Zealand society.

During a political debate hosted last night by the Ethnic Council of Wellington, concern was raised that migrants had great difficulty getting jobs in New Zealand.

Mr Dunne said one reason given was prejudice by potential employers against migrants who were not fluent in English.

“At that point, New Zealand First MP Dail Jones astounded everyone by announcing that New Zealand First had a policy of not only training new migrants to speak English, but they’d also be trained to speak with a Kiwi accent!

“Apparently this means migrants can ring up potential employers who will be unaware they are talking to a migrant.

“So if New Zealand First is anywhere near the next government, they’ll establish a sub-department of the Ministry of Silly Rules called the Department for Speaking Bloody Proper, Mate.

“I imagine all those Scots, Irish and even English migrants like New Zealand First’s deputy leader, Peter Brown, will be delighted they’ll get government help to speak proper Kiwi, mate,” said Mr Dunne.

ENDS

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