Ethnic recognition wanted

Press, 5 March 1988, Page 8

Ethnic recognition wanted

PA I Wellington New Zealand should adopt a policy that recognises | the role ethnic groups play in its development,! says; the Wellington Ethnic Affairs Council. The council, which represents 20 ethnic groups from i Europe, the Middle East, !lndia and Asia, said a variety of ethnic minorities had i contributed to New Zealand’s development and it was time their voices were heard.

People of ethnic groups other than European, Maori, J and Pacific Islander numbered 42,219 at the 1981 census.

“For too long we have kept lourselves quiet while working hard to make a good) life'for ourselves in New! Zealand, and contributing to New Zealand’s development,” said the couricil’s i chairman, Mr

Paul Wah, in a 1 submission to the Royal Commission on Social Policy.

The council compiled the results of)a questionnaire sent to its members and to several groups belonging to the Auckland Ethnic Affairs) Council.

The recommendations included: A ihulticultural policy for New Zealand; a Ministry and ! Minister of ethnic affairs; a planned and fair jimmigration policy recognising the extended family as grounds for entry; national super-, annuation to; be transferred to other countries; a school curriculum including the histories and cultures of all people in New Zealand; teaching of English as a| second language to all) non-English-speaking migrants; an overseas qualifications as-

sessment unit so that proj fessional ; qualifications l received overseas could be accepted in New Zeai land; a national languages policy with resources ! available Ifor language I teaching either through ■ schools or) ethnic communities, and subsidies to assist families taking care of dependent elderly , family meihbers. , Mr Wah said in the submission! that multi- ; culturalism implied that ) every group’s values, ; traditions and customs , were treated equally and ) that all these groups had equal access to power in New Zealand society.

“On this basis, New Zealand is not a multicultural society and has a long way ito gb to reach this state! of affairs,” he said. I