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Leader's LetterJuly 2004
"You're Right Mr Peters"Article from the Indian Newslink dated June 15, 2004New Zealand First leader Winston Peters has questioned the wisdom of the four regional councils in Wellington region for considering a project to attract new immigrants. Earlier reports said Wellington, Hutt Valley, Porirua and Kapiti were thinking of spending $200,000 of ratepayers' money each year to attract new migrants and brand the province ‘new settler-friendly'. The idea, if allowed to go ahead, is likely to have serious consequences, he said. Mr Peters is not always right when he attacks immigration policies or takes cudgels against Asian migrants, blaming them for all the ills in the economy. But this time he may be right. A mere spend on settlement programmes would have little impact on the wellbeing of new immigrants-in fact it would merely scratch the surface. Smart immigration policies would follow a well-structured regime that takes into account the immediate needs of migrants including employment or self-employment, education of children, orientation, cultural and social integration and proper follow-up. Thus far, no immigration policy appears to have achieved its larger objective of helping migrants to become wealth creators but immigration minister Paul Swain said there are such schemes in the pipeline. Not that immigrants, especially Indians, Pakistanis, Bandladeshis, Nepalese, Sri Lankans and Arabs, are unsuccessful in their ventures. In fact, they have demonstrated their ability to merge with the New Zealand society and even adopt its values and customs. But $200,000 a year for ‘attracting immigrants' in the Wellington area appears not only presumptuous but also economically unsound.Attracting immigrants to places other than Auckland is no doubt desirable but should be an exercise undertaken at the national level. From another standpoint, it may be worthwhile to consider regularising the stay of overstayers if they are prepared to move to the areas that require manpower. Figures are sketchy but it is understood there are at least 3,000 such persons in the extended Indian community. Many of them have been in the country for several years, understand national aspirations and are contributors to social and economic growth.Will the Government listen to us?
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