Henry’s bigotry appalling to migrants

The Auckland Regional Migrant Services (ARMS) is appalled by Paul Henry’s bigoted statements made on TVNZ breakfast show on 4-10-2010 about the Governor-General Sir Anand Satyanand, asking the Prime Minister “Are we going to go for someone who’s more like a New Zealander this time?” It is unacceptable and discriminatory to question whether the Governor-General is a New Zealander, let alone question anyone’s ethnicity or country of origin.

This kind of statement is demeaning to the office of the Governor-General, an appointment made by the Queen on the recommendation of our Prime Minister. Rt Hon Sir Anand Satyanand was born in Auckland, and his parents had migrated to New Zealand from Fiji. He has conducted his role as the Governor-General, the personal representative of the Head of State, Elizabeth II, Queen of New Zealand with absolute professionalism, respect and sincerity.

Henry's insensitive and xenophobic comments will be read negatively by many migrants settling into New Zealand and indeed those newcomers who have been in this country for a number of years. They have all committed themselves to become New Zealand citizens and to respect our country for its stance on inclusiveness, multiculturalism and the appreciation of diversity.

The Governor-General Sir Anand Satyanand has been a Patron of Auckland Regional Migrant Services Charitable Trust since 2005 and has generously supported and contributed toward the range of services we provide to migrants and refugees across the Auckland region. We are very proud of his association with our organisation.

The large number of complaints received by TVNZ since Henry’s comments were made on Monday 4-10-2010 clearly shows the level of concern of people across the country. TVNZ must take full responsibility for what has happened and investigate and address the comments made by Henry, to ensure that such bigoted, ethnocentric remarks have no place on state funded television.

Members of the public should write to companies such that advertise on The Breakfast show to withdraw their custom as a result of his remarks should TVNZ retain Paul Henry in a job.

ENDS

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