Kiwis 'Learning to Accept Racial Diversity'

December 11, 2007

Author: Jenny Ling

Source: Stuff.co.nz/The Dominion Post

http://www.stuff.co.nz/4319131a10.html

The Human Rights Commission and police say New Zealanders are embracing the increasingly diverse population, only a small percentage resisting it.

But there is more anecdotal evidence of abuse and many victims are still not reporting it to authorities.

Police strategic adviser Kefeng Chu said racial tension was still common and more work was needed to teach children tolerance at an early stage.

"New Zealand in general is tolerant, it's just a few people out there not yet embracing the cultural or religious diversity.

"But we do have problems and issues that need to be addressed.

"If we do not address them they will become accepted and escalate."