Winston Peters mounts fierce defence of all races that come here legally
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters defended legal immigrants during a public meeting in Invercargill after an attendee made derogatory comments about Indian and Chinese residents. This stance contrasts with previous controversial remarks made by Peters and his deputy regarding immigration.
Why it matters
The incident underscores the complex and often contradictory rhetoric surrounding immigration and race in New Zealand's political landscape.
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There was a moment during the question-and-answer session of Winston Peters’ public meeting in Invercargill today when Indians and the Chinese were attacked.
The provocation was met with a stern defence, though the one doing it, New Zealand First leader Peters, might have surprised many with a passing interest in politics in recent months.
This was the same Peters who, in July, told New Zealand citizen and Green MP Lawrence Xu-Nan to “ go back to your own country ... where they lie like a flatfish ”.
The same Peters whose deputy leader, Shane Jones, in April warned that the free trade deal with India would trigger a “ butter chicken tsunami ”.
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