RIOTS IN THE STREETS...?

Press, 2 September 1977, Page 13

RIOTS IN THE STREETS...?

New Zealanders are apt to regard their position as a multi-racial society as being a model for the rest of the world to copy. And while it is true there has been a great deal of harmony and some progress towards integration, all is not well beneath the surface.

This is pointed out most strongly by an English visitor. Dr Brian Jackson, Director of Britain’s National Educational Development Trust.

‘The back streets of Auckland now constitute the biggest Polynesian city in the world — and the most explosive,” says Dr Jackson in a 1975 edition of "New Society.” "Behind the prospering European districts, with their pretty ironwork balconies. lie turbulent black adolescents lost to the traditional control of the rural elders, excited and bewildered at the bright lights, the new anonymity. “And resentful of the small daily reminders

that, while the motto in New Zealand is two races, one people, you yourself inherit second-class citizenship. Racial segregation in swimming pools or cinemas may be real or imaginary, but it is certainlv both mentioned and felt.”

On his visit to New Zealand, Dr Jackson also observed the incidence of racial jokes, the pressure of migration of young Maoris to the cities, and the uneasiness with which Maoris face the immigration of Pacific Islanders. He was, too. critical of education. “The schooling of Maori children is an educational disaster area. Figures from the Department of Social Welfare show that adolescent Maori boys are five times more likely to appear in juvenile courts than other children, and that Maori girls are seven times more likely to offend.

"Research based on monitored groups shows that more than 40 per cent of Maori boys end up before the bench. These are shocking figures to publish in Britain: they make no mark whatsoever in New Zealand.” Dr Jackson said that Maoritanga was simply not recognised for what it was. "What is recognised is a kind of Maori decor around the vacancy in New Zealand’s heart.”

According to Dr Jackson. then. New Zealand is sitting on a racial time bomb, which may one day explode. And if violence erupts in a racial context in New Zealand it is more likely to occur in Auckland than in any other place.

It is in Auckland that most of the Pacific Island immigrants have formed their large community, and which has not yet been accepted completely by the host community. Problems with alcohol have already sparked some comment from civic leaders and have aroused anxieties among certain sections of

the community. Colour becomes the criterion by which people are judged or stereotyped, according to conceived patterns.

Racialism and racial violence are not inevitable. They can be prevented. Education is the tool that can be best used to bring about greater racial harmony.

In Britain, community relations councils were set up under the Race Relations Act of 1968 and have helped at the essential community level in promoting greater understanding.

No such organisations exist in New Zealand. We do have classes in English as a second language at technical institutes; there are the drop-in centres which cater for those who drop-out of the economic "rat race,’’ the church

does its share; the School Publications branch of the Education Department has produced a booklet called “Prejudice;” and the Vocational Training Council has produced a series of booklets which includes “Understanding Pakehas” and “Understanding Polynesians.”

But these efforts are not enough. There is a need in New Zealand for organisations such as the

British community relations councils and central board, whose job it would be to co-ordinate such activities designed to educate people about other people.

By breaking down prejudices it is possible to open up new opportunities at the workplace, in housing. and in education. It is only then that the term multi-racial community would have any real value.