New Zealand TEA Party calls for better deal for South Asian communities

The South Asian communities have been strong partners in the progress and development of New Zealand and hence deserve better treatment with greater recognition, New Zealand Taxpayers & Entrepreneurs Alliance (TEA) Party Leader John Hong has said.

Rising share in population

“There are more than 250,000 people of South Asian origin, including people of Indian origin from India, Fiji and rest of the world, Sri Lankan, Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Nepali origin. Along with more than 260,000 people of Chinese origin (from Mainland China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and rest of the world) and those from other South East Asian countries, we account for more than 550,000 people. Successive governments have done little to promote these communities. The New Zealand TEA country will work with all future governments to promote these important sections of our population,” he said.

Mr Hong, who was at the offices of Indian Newslink on Friday, October 9, 2020, said that with the share of Indian population increasingly rapidly and with the growth of other communities, South Asian and South East Asian people will account for more than 1.3 million in the next 20 years.

“These are our people and must be treated as ‘genuine New Zealanders.’ We must ensure their safety, dignity, honour and provide appropriate opportunities for employment, become successful entrepreneurs and wealth creators,” he said.

Partnership for growth

Mr Hong is confident of winning a few seats in the ensuing general election on October 17, 2020. His Party has fielded 12 candidates in as many constituencies, while he is contesting from the newly created Takanini constituency.

“But the results will neither be shocking nor discouraging. We are aware that it takes some time for a new Party to gain ground, which is why we will continue to strengthen our TEA Party and look ahead towards 2023 (when the next general election will be held) and beyond. However, we hope to be in the next Parliament and make a difference,” he said.

Mr Hong believes that politics should end with the election and all parties should work together for the betterment of New Zealand and New Zealanders.

“We are a great country and essentially of Anglo-Saxon culture. Our Strengths are English language, Democracy, an excellent Judiciary and of course a clean and green environment. We will partner with the next government in promoting Education, Health, Tourism and in addressing the challenging Auckland. We must also improve our law enforcement and make our South Asian and South East communities safer, and equally important, make them ‘feel safer.’ If all of us work concert efforts, we can achieve our national objectives,” he said.

Economic Recovery

Like most of his fellow politicians, Mr Hong believes that stimulating investment through smart policies and programmes will be the main pathway to economic recovery.

“Coronavirus is still with us and our economy is facing one of the worst periods in recent history with recession. Members of our Party as Parliamentarians will offer their experience and expertise in reviving economic growth. We will provide a fillip to our education sector to grow by bringing more foreign students and create a new Campus. We will bring our global connections to the benefit of New Zealand through investments, increased tourist traffic and other means,” he said.

Boosting tourism

Mr Hong said that the South Asian and South East Asian countries account for a surging middle- class population with high purchasing power and a penchant for travel.

“On a conservative estimate, there could be at least 200 million people in these countries who regularly travel overseas for holiday and leisure. If we are able to tap even 1% of this population to visit New Zealand, our tourism industry will get a major boost. We can of course do more by revisiting our immigration policy and marketing campaign. As the safest country in the world, we have the opportunity to attract millions of tourists every year.  For a start, we can create a large travel bubble comprising Australia and Pacific Island countries,” he said.

Auckland matters

Mr Hong is an expert on Auckland issues, having lived in Auckland since 2003 following his migration from his native Fujian Province in the North-East Coat of China.

As well as being an employee of the Auckland Council for ten years, he has been associated with several organisations. These include Auckland Regional Council Communication and Engagement (Manager), Statistics New Zealand (Team Leader Asia),the Southern Initiative (Inaugural Steering Committee Member) Auckland Council (Inaugural Member of Ethnic Panel), Waterfront Auckland (Asia-Pacific Investment Advisor), Panuku (a Council Controlled Organisation Head of Investment and International Relationships) New Zealand China Trade Association (Executive), China Engagement New Zealand Core Cities (Member), Pigeon Mountain Primary School (Board of Trustees).

He said that Auckland has entered an unprecedented stage of new opportunities and challenges that requires innovative, pragmatic approaches which old ways of thinking no longer fit.

“Auckland needs a new vision for the future. The New Zealand TEA Party will strive to make Auckland a better City with improved infrastructure, better transport facilities and a stronger economic package. For New Zealand to succeed, Auckland must succeed,” he said.

Takanini Constituency

Describing the Takanini Constituency as ‘strategic for the growth of Auckland,’ Mr Hong said that it has an interesting population mix. Asian account for 30% of the population, about half of them being of Indian origin, the share of Europeans is 20% followed by 15% Pacifica, 10% Maori and other communities making up the remaining 25%.

“We are campaigning hard. We can notice the penchant for change among people. We are hopeful of achieving some success, but we will not be disheartened by the outcome. We will work to make our Party strong over the next three years and emerge as a formidable force in Election 2023. We are also keen to enter the next local government elections in Auckland,” he said.

Steadfast Principles

The Party will work as a guardian against racism and any form of discrimination.

“We will fight against any attempt to use racism and fear to gain political power and we will seek to replace racist politicians with fair-minded members of the community,” he said.

TEA Party supports (a) use of medicinal drugs but opposes all forms of drug abuse and drugs for recreational purposes (b) quality migration including family reunion subject to eligible criteria (c) efforts to lift people out of poverty and reduce the number of people on the dole or benefit (d) tax rebates and tax incentives to middle-class working and self-employed taxpayers (e) growth of sustainable economic development and international trade (f) more funding to education and health and (g) an environment and society without fear for safety and abuse, protecting the rights of victims.

Vishal Choksi is the Chief Operating Officer of Freedom Tourism Limited, a tourism company that is keen to promote New Zealand as a popular destination.

On his Facebook Page, Mr Choksi said that the election campaign belongs to all New Zealanders and that he and his Party are dedicated to common people.

Offices in New Zealand

In its bid to represent New Zealanders of all ethnicities at all places, the Party has established four offices in Auckland (Central City, North Shore, West Auckland, East Auckland, South Auckland, North Island), Hamilton, Rotorua, Taupo,  Hawkes Bay, Palmerston North, Tauranga and three offices in South Island (Christchurch, Dunedin and Queenstown).

“We are socially democratic, culturally diversified and fiscally conservative,” Mr Hong said.