Responses from Steve Scragg

Kia Orana Arish Thank you for the opportunity to reply to your questions below. I would appreciate knowing more about your council as i have never heard for you before and had no contact from your council in the 2010 election. 1. I see Tairawhiti currently as a multi culture society its as simple as that, We have diversity here already and i believe its a good thing we can all learn from each other. I don’t have a vision as such as its a fluid and evolving thing. Dependant on the central governments policy and world events. 2. I would need to know more about your council before i would comment and or commit to support. 3. I have daily contact with abroad mix of ethnic groups due to my works. 4. Acceptance of change to society is the biggest challenge for local residents, without the acceptance we end up with bigotry and racism. 5. To be bluntly honest we need a improving economy so we can offer jobs and business opatuitys in the region, before we can expect and increase in new residents. I personally don't see that continuing to call oneself a new immigrant and or refugee as helpful. Once your a resident is it not better to call yourself a resident? B calling a person a new immigrant or refugee all we do is put up a further barrier, We all need to fit in and get along. Keeping ones self identity and culture is very important but we all need to get on with the job and paddle this Waka in the same direction. Steve Scragg