Recession driving recruits to National front – de Bres

Tough economic times are thought to be behind an upsurge in attempts to recruit new members to the ultra right-wing National Front.

Race Relations Commissioner Joris de Bres told the Dominion Post he had received complaints about the National Front even trying to recruit schoolchildren.

"There has been increasing activity on the Kapiti Coast. We think they are targeting schoolkids," Mr de Bres said.

He had received complaints after National Front pamphlets were distributed at two Kapiti schools and dropped in letterboxes late last month.

"This sort of thing does tend to increase when there's fertile ground because of an economic downturn. People are under pressure," Mr de Bres said.

Two Kapiti College pupils had been warned for handing out National Front leaflets.

Principal Tony Kane said there had been no sign of the leaflets since and he did not think an organised campaign was under way.

"I just don't think this is a runner for the National Front as far as recruitment goes. These kids aren't even old enough to vote."

Paraparaumu College principal Richard Campbell said a pupil was warned after pinning a leaflet to a noticeboard, but the pupil was not even aware of what the National Front was.

According to its website, the National Front stands up for the rights of "Euro-New Zealanders".

- NZPA