Extremism warning by race conciliator

Press, 15 April 1986, Page 37

Extremism warning by race conciliator

PA Tauranga New Zealanders must be on their guard against the growth of extremist groups promoting ideas of racial superiority, the Race Relations Conciliator, Mr Wally Hirsch, says.

Speaking to a meeting of 150 Justices of the Peace at Mount Maunganui on Friday evening, Mr Hirsch said he condemned anyone who regarded one person as superior to another on the grounds of race, religion or creed.

“Racism is the feeling of superiority by members of one group over another, be it pakeha over Maori, and Pacific Islanders or vice versa, or making ethnic minorities such as Chinese, Greek or whatever feel insecure,” he said.

Mr Hirsch said some groups in New Zealand promoted the idea that

inequality was inevitable, that there should be a right for the elite to govern, and held strong nationalistic and racist views which they were committed to putting into action.

He cited a university study showing that extreme Right-wing groups were increasing in New Zealand, and now numbered about 70. Extreme Left-wing groups often shared similar inflexible stances with extreme Right-wing groups, and were equally threatening to the goals of a multi-racial, egalitarian society. Mr Hirsch said he had a dream of New Zealand as a society where all people could stand tall, proud of their cultures yet united as a strong democratic nation. The country had the potential to lead the world as a social laboratory for health, edu-

cation, and racial equality for all.

A commitment by all New Zealanders was needed to examine their beliefs and learn to accept, cherish and become part of a society made up of many cultures.

He said New Zealand was going through a period of change from a mono-cultural society to a bi-cultural society, and, he hoped, on to a multicultural society. “This change, like adolescence, is a time of strain and stress, and we are now feeling some of this growing pain,” Mr Hirsch said.

A key element in attaining a united New Zealand identity was in giving the Tangata Whenua — the Maori people — the recognition they deserved, and he urged Europeans to learn more about the marae, language and culture of the Maori.