New Zealand's Unity at Risk as Politicians Target Migrant Communities

New Zealand's migrant community is being unfairly targeted by politicians, according to former Member of Parliament Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi.

Bakshi recalls facing similar comments from New Zealand First leader Winston Peters during his time in office. The rhetoric has diminished the quality of political debate and undermined the inclusive values that define New Zealand.

The country's history is one of migration, with Māori being the first to settle the islands, followed by generations from Europe, the Pacific, Asia, Africa, and South America. Today, migrants make up around 30% of New Zealand's population, contributing significantly to its economy. In fact, Indians contribute more than $37 billion annually, according to a recent report from the Waitakere Indian Association.

Bakshi notes that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the government approved over 160,000 visas to help rebuild the workforce. Migrants were welcomed and needed to address severe labour shortages. However, as elections approach, migrants are often used as a convenient target for politicians seeking to divide voters.