Federation Outraged by Paul Henry’s Racist Comments

The New Zealand Federation of Multicultural Councils is outraged by Paul Henry's racially charged comments about Governor-General Sir Anand Satyanand.

Paul Henry’s comments to the Prime Minister on the Breakfast show on TVNZ were extremely disrespectful to the Governor-General and revealed appalling ignorance about New Zealanders. We share the outrage of most New Zealanders who have denounced Paul Henry’s racist comments People in ethnic communities are highly upset and angry that Paul Henry has gotten away lightly with TVNZ’s two week suspension, is a slap on the wrist; is inadequate for the damage he has caused to New Zealand.

Racism is not acceptable and has no place in society and the Federation is seeking indefinite removal of the presenter from publicly funded television. We also urge TVNZ to direct him to engage in race relations education. Comments like these are bound to incite racism and cause hurt, anger and insult to multicultural New Zealanders.

The Federation has been working hard for last 20 years with communities, government agencies and stakeholders to make a genuinely multi-cultural New Zealand. To this end it is seeking a Multicultural Act that will reinforce multiculturalism in New Zealand and to require government agencies such as TVNZ to adopt multiculturalism policies at all levels of operation.

The Federation is demanding Government to what measures it is taking to give assurances this will not happen again and at TVNZ’s immediate and appropriate action before the situation is further aggravated by adverse public comments and media.

ENDS

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