‘Racism is Alright and Alive’ in New Zealand – Race Relations Commissioner

By RNZ

The Race Relations Commissioner condemned two recent attacks on a mosque and a kura, saying they show how racism is alive and well in New Zealand.

The Queenstown Islamic Center, which opened earlier this month, had anti-Muslim posters taped up this week, and Te Wharekura or Arowhenua Maori immersion school in Invercargill had a racist insult painted on its welcome sign this week.

Police are investigating both incidents and said all reports of hate speech are taken very seriously.

Race Relations Commissioner Meng Foon said it was sad to see communities being attacked so close to Christmas.

“I am saddened by the kura and the mosque, I [condemn] this behavior shows that racism is okay and alive in some parts of people’s minds. “

He said that it was necessary to set an example for the people who committed such acts.

“We are very supportive of separate hate crime legislation and hope that the government will pass it quickly in the new year,” he said.

“We are pleased that the police are also collecting data on hate crimes now to strengthen punishments for people who continue to spread hateful messages.”

He said the racism was deliberate.

“There is an inherent hatred between people who are racist and I think it is a disease, which can be taken out of people. However, some people are ingrained in their hatred and it is difficult to stop their behavior.”

The director of Te Wharekura or Arowhenua, Gary Davis, condemned the action and invited the culprit to come to the school to help clean up its mess.

“There is no way we can support or tolerate this type of degrading and racist remarks, but I am convinced that when this person gets over their personal pain, they will realize the harm they have caused to others,” Davis said.

“It would be appropriate for them to clean up their mess too, but I’m very happy to help them.”

Maori Language Commissioner Professor Rawinia Higgins said targeting schoolchildren was a new low.

“This is what hate looks like. It is not abroad, it is right here in our communities and it is directed at our children, our language and our identity.”

An invitation has also been extended to the person who put up anti-Islamic posters at the Queenstown mosque.

The mosque did not want to discuss the incident with the media while the police were investigating, but Imam Reza Abdul-Jabbar of the Southland Mosque said that Queenstown was a melting pot, so the local mosque had been somewhat shocked by the incident.

“It’s sad given everything that has happened, the Royal Commission [into the Christchurch terror attack] and the inquiries that have taken place that things like this are still happening, “he said.

“I thought at the end of the year this kind of [thing] It would have stopped by now, honestly. “

He said Muslims understood that incidents like this could stem from misunderstandings, not hatred, and offered to meet with those responsible for the cartels.

“I think a cup of tea or a cup of coffee or a meal is the way we would like to invite you into a conversation so that we can address your issues and any queries or questions you may have.

“We would love to talk to you face to face, we don’t hate you, because we know that the only reason you have done what you have done is because you don’t know what the true teachings of Islam are.

Police would like to hear from anyone who saw anything of interest in the early hours of yesterday morning near the mosque on Gorge Rd.