PRESS STATEMENT
22 October 2008
Pacific Want Answers from National & Maori Party

Does National think Pacific workers are unwashed savages who need training to use showers and toilets? Yes or no? Does national think Maori people, who also often have large hands, are unproductive with detail work? Yes or no?

Labour MP, Su’a William Sio is calling for answers after National’s Immigration Spokesperson Lockwood Smith complained that "Pacific Islanders needed training in the use of toilets and showers". Smith also said the Asian workers have been more productive...because their hands are smaller."

"How can this man make such offensive and degrading comments and still expect to become a senior minister in a National-led government?"

"I can’t believe that a senior National MP can be so uncaring in his comments about people invited by the New Zealand government and New Zealand businesses to come and work in our orchards and farms.’

“Is this how Mr Key and the National Party really think of Pacific and Asian people? Why hasn’t Mr Lockwood Smith been reprimanded by his leader?”

"If these comments reflect what he thinks of Pacific and Asians people, how will he treat Maori if the Maori Party go in coalition with National? More to the point, does the Maori Party support what he says?"

ENDS

© Scoop Media