Post by Kiwi Frontline on Dec 18, 2019 2:16:27 GMT 12
WANGANUI IWI CALLS FOR RESIGNATION OF COUNCILLOR WHO MADE 'RACIALLY MOTIVATED' COMMENTS OVER STREET NAME
Wanganui iwi and hapū representatives are calling for the resignation of local councillor Rob Vinsen after they claim he made "racially motivated" comments at a council meeting.
Vinsen made the statements at a December 10 meeting which decided the name of a newly developed housing subdivision in the Springvale area.
When presented with the submissions from local iwi, Vinsen said, "Well aside from the fact that 're-po' has an unfortunate connotation doesn't it?
"Re-po means short for repossession and I don't know whether I would like to live in that street."
Mair called the comments "extremely belittling and mocking" and said fellow councillors laughed at the statement, which added further distress.
A formal complaint has also been made to the Human Rights Commission against the Wanganui District Council for its inaction after Vinsen's comments, Mair said......
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12294386
Wanganui iwi and hapū representatives are calling for the resignation of local councillor Rob Vinsen after they claim he made "racially motivated" comments at a council meeting.
Vinsen made the statements at a December 10 meeting which decided the name of a newly developed housing subdivision in the Springvale area.
When presented with the submissions from local iwi, Vinsen said, "Well aside from the fact that 're-po' has an unfortunate connotation doesn't it?
"Re-po means short for repossession and I don't know whether I would like to live in that street."
Mair called the comments "extremely belittling and mocking" and said fellow councillors laughed at the statement, which added further distress.
A formal complaint has also been made to the Human Rights Commission against the Wanganui District Council for its inaction after Vinsen's comments, Mair said......
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12294386