Remember the "Tampa Boys"? In 2001, in a decision that exemplified New Zealand values, we granted asylum to 40 teenage boys who had been rescued by the Norwegian freighter Tampa. They've since built lives and careers in New Zealand - one has even represented New Zealand in soccer - and now they are all eligible to vote. And coming from a country where stable government was only a dream (or worse, a nightmare), they're understandably keen on exercising their right. Every single one of them is on the electoral roll, and all of those the Herald interviewed are eager to have their say.
Many on the right objected to taking in the "Tampa boys", and to taking in refugees generally. But in their time here, they've become New Zealanders - and compared with the mere 75% turnout the rest of us manage, model citizens.
it is interesting that they are so interested in the curbing of family reunification policies for migrants and refugees.
ReplyDeleteOr rather, National and NZ First's threat to do so?
ReplyDeleteI don't think this is at all surprising - these people have directly benefitted from the family reunification programme, and have firsthand experience of the difference it makes to people's lives.