WELLINGTON (New Zealand) - NEW Zealand's suspended foreign minister turned on China and immigrants on Thursday in a blatant attempt to save his party's political fortunes at elections next month.
In a race-tinged speech, Mr Winston Peters called for a halt to immigration to preserve jobs for New Zealanders and demanded action to prevent Chinese workers entering the country under a bilateral free trade agreement the government 'foolishly' signed with Beijing.
Immigrants are attracted to New Zealand 'like moths to a neon light' during rough economic times, Mr Peters said, and vowed to address the issue if re-elected.
'Immigration numbers will be cut to ensure Kiwis do not have to compete with immigrants for jobs as our economy goes into decline,' Mr Peters said, using the nickname for New Zealanders.
Mr Peters, who was suspended in Aug for involvement in a fraud scandal involving his New Zealand First Party, has used similar rhetoric before to try to win political support.
New Zealand is a Westernised, multicultural country of 4.3 million people, but where certain segments of society are suspicious of immigrants, especially Asians.
Mr Peters views on immigration have been dismissed by both main parties. But his party has consistently won enough support to deliver him a kingmaker role in New Zealand's often closely matched political fights. He has parlayed that support into senior roles, including treasurer and foreign minister.
Opinion polls show Mr Peters' party is only half way to reaching the 5 per cent of votes nationwide it needs to return him to parliament in the Nov 8 election.
Prime Minister Helen Clark suspended Mr Peters on Aug 29. An inquiry by the Serious Fraud Office cleared Mr Peters of wrongdoing, but Ms Clark - whose Labour Party is facing an uphill battle to win re-election - says she has no plans to reinstate him. -- AP
Ahem..Except to Sinkieland.
In a race-tinged speech, Mr Winston Peters called for a halt to immigration to preserve jobs for New Zealanders and demanded action to prevent Chinese workers entering the country under a bilateral free trade agreement the government 'foolishly' signed with Beijing.
Immigrants are attracted to New Zealand 'like moths to a neon light' during rough economic times, Mr Peters said, and vowed to address the issue if re-elected.
'Immigration numbers will be cut to ensure Kiwis do not have to compete with immigrants for jobs as our economy goes into decline,' Mr Peters said, using the nickname for New Zealanders.
Mr Peters, who was suspended in Aug for involvement in a fraud scandal involving his New Zealand First Party, has used similar rhetoric before to try to win political support.
New Zealand is a Westernised, multicultural country of 4.3 million people, but where certain segments of society are suspicious of immigrants, especially Asians.
Mr Peters views on immigration have been dismissed by both main parties. But his party has consistently won enough support to deliver him a kingmaker role in New Zealand's often closely matched political fights. He has parlayed that support into senior roles, including treasurer and foreign minister.
Opinion polls show Mr Peters' party is only half way to reaching the 5 per cent of votes nationwide it needs to return him to parliament in the Nov 8 election.
Prime Minister Helen Clark suspended Mr Peters on Aug 29. An inquiry by the Serious Fraud Office cleared Mr Peters of wrongdoing, but Ms Clark - whose Labour Party is facing an uphill battle to win re-election - says she has no plans to reinstate him. -- AP
Ahem..Except to Sinkieland.
