New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark announced here on Tuesday that the government has decided to make a formal apology to Chinese New Zealanders who paid a poll tax and suffered other discrimination imposed by statute and to their descendents.
The announcement was made at a function marking the Chinese New Year in Parliament hosted by the prime minister and George Hawkins, minister for Ethnic Affairs,for members of the Chinese community in New Zealand.
It was the first time for a New Zealand prime minister to host a function on the traditional Chinese Spring Festival. More than 300 Chinese New Zealanders from various parts of the country attended the reception.
Clark said that the Chinese people were subjected to discrimination in New Zealand from the late 19th century through to the mid-20th century.
"While the governments which passed these discriminatory laws acted in a manner which was lawful at the time,their actions are seen by us today as unacceptable. We believe an act of reconciliation is required to ensure that full closure can be reached on this chapter in our nation's history," she said.
"The poll tax, in particular, imposed considerable hardship. The Chinese Immigrants Act of 1881 imposed a poll tax of 10 pounds per Chinese person and restricted the numbers able to enter the country to one person per 10 tons of ship cargo. These provisions were increased and consolidated in legislation over the next few years.The poll tax rose to 100 pounds per person and numbers entering the country were further severely restricted.No other ethnic group was subjected to such restrictions,or a poll tax," Clark said.
The poll tax was abolished in 1944. She said, "Today we recognize the considerable hardship it imposed and that the cost of it and the impact of other discriminatory immigration practices split families apart."
"The government apology marks the beginning of a formal process of reconciliation with the Chinese community," Clark stressed.
The prime minister said that the government will be entering into discussions with the descendents of those who paid the poll tax on an appropriate form of reconciliation.
She hailed the Chinese community in New Zealand as a "significant contributor" to New Zealand.
"Modern New Zealand has a bicultural foundation,and today is home to many peoples. It is important that we value, honor and respect all our communities and see our diversity as a great strength," she said.
(Xinhua News Agency February 12, 2002)
