Michael Jackson had it right – it doesn’t matter if you’re black or white

In the year 2011 you could be forgiven for thinking Kiwis, with our melting pot culture, were above the petty issues regarding skin colour.

However, with Hone Harawira calling Auckland University protesters “rednecks” and the Right Wing Resistance calling for New Zealand to halt Asian immigration, it seems racism hasn't left these fair shores.

Hone Harawira, one of New Zealand’s most outspoken and controversial politicians, is once again on the front pages blaming racism and Pakeha rednecks for the cancellation of his Auckland University Law Society presentation. 

He had this to say after peaceful protesters planned to attend his presentation: "All of the rednecks at the University decided to create such a ruckus that the Law School cancelled it. In 2011, we're still being pushed around." Hello Kettle? It’s me, Pot. Calling you black. 

Another man making headlines for all the wrong reasons is Kyle Chapman, leader of the Christchurch group Right Wing Resistance. This group is determined to halt the “Asian Invasion” as they call it, because they "steal jobs" and "destroy white New Zealand culture and heritage."

Lincoln Tan, a well-known New Zealand Herald columnist, is Asian. However, according to Kyle, he is not the type of Asian they are against. Right Wing Resistance has more of a focus on communism and the Asian’s coming into the country trying to take over. No doubt the non-white supremacists (Right Wing Resistance’s words not mine) among us will be laughing – I’ll be doing so openly.

This attempted movement has attracted criticism from Asian communities across New Zealand, politicians, academics and the police department. The group has only 42 fans on their Facebook page – 42 too many in my opinion – but it is good to see there is not a lot of support coming in from the rest of the nation.

Race relations is a difficult issue to address, inevitably you end up insulting someone, so I don’t envy those trying. For what it’s worth though, I have been and will continue to take Hone’s words with a miniscule grain of salt. And as for Kyle Chapman and his crowd – grow up, you’re nothing but a bully. New migrants bring in $1.9 billion to the economy every year – what do you and your 42 fans contribute?

One of the best things about this great country of ours is the multi-cultural diversity of the populous and the down-to-earth and tolerant nature of Kiwis. It is a shame to see a few tarnishing our image with their intolerant and insensitive viewpoints. 

Oh, and in the interests of full disclosure, I’m half English, with a bit of Irish, Welsh and Scottish thrown in, a quarter Asian and all Kiwi.

You can read more on Hone Harawira here and the Right Wing Resistance here.