Sharples criticises treatment of Asian migrants

Some Kiwis intimidate the Indian community for "dominating the dairies" and socially exclude other Asian people, the Minister of Maori Affairs says.

Dr Pita Sharples delivered a hard-hitting speech on race relations at Orakei Marae in Auckland last night. After admitting his party's political alliance with the National Party was sometimes "very difficult and stressful", Sharples criticised the treatment of Asian people.

While immigrants from South Africa and the United Kingdom blended in easily, Asians tended to be ignored or excluded, he said.

"In many cases they are victims of social insults, from our New Zealand cultural arrogance," he said.

Asian leaders and friends had told him that they did not feel welcome in New Zealand.

"To me, personally, I feel shamed at those admissions," he said.

"We criticise and it seems sometimes intimidate the Indian community for dominating the dairies, exacerbating stereotypes instead of recognising their capacity to support each other."

Sharples' comments came ahead of the release at Te Papa today of a new book on immigrant experiences in New Zealand.

The book, Longing & Belonging, is by Auckland University of Technology academic and author Edwina Pio.

Pio said immigrants found it difficult to find work in New Zealand that matched their skills.

Said Sharples: "They say that they've often found New Zealanders do not seem to accept people who are physically different from them."

Sharples said Maori should help lead the move to make Asians feel welcome.

- © Fairfax NZ News