Alex Richards

“So many New Zealanders don’t seem to see themselves as New Zealanders.  They see themselves as either Maori or European New Zealanders, and these are the principle ethnicity boxes on most forms you fill in.  It seems to make no difference that the European and Maori blood lines are so mixed now as to be inseparable.  If you can prove any Maori blood then you are entitled to a cut of the Treaty payouts, special voting rights and increased rights to certain natural resources.  There's even a Maori political party which, in its very existence, is surely an indictment on the depth of racism through all levels of society.  Is it any surprise that there is resentment and racism in parts of the community towards Maori?”
― Alex Richards, New Zealand Calling