Don Brash warns of race-based policies in Ratana visit

4.00pm


New Zealanders needed to face "head-on" a drift towards ethnic separatism, National Party leader Don Brash said at the Ratana celebrations today.

He was speaking on Ratana Pa during the 131st birthday celebrations of the church's founder, prophet Tahupotiki Wiremu Ratana.

"For too long we have been too polite to talk about these issues at these gatherings," he told elders.

"But you are not timid old warriors. I know you appreciate those who are frank and open and who speak their minds.

"The prophet had remarkable visions. I, too, have a vision for New Zealand. I seek a multi-cultural society where all people are treated equally under the law and where we all have the same rights and obligations.

"At a time when some would seek to turn back the clock, to march us down the track of separate development, I see the solution as one law for all," Dr Brash said.

He said he intended to put the issue on the political agenda for 2004.

- NZPA