New Zealand's identity is deeply rooted in its rich tapestry of cultures, woven together by the contributions of both indigenous communities and migrants.
The recent controversy involving ACT Party MP Parmjeet Parmar, who has faced criticism from an academic questioning her authority as a migrant to propose legislation, underscores the urgent need for a more profound understanding and appreciation of migrants in shaping New Zealand's future.
Parmar, the first Indian-born woman elected to New Zealand's Parliament, has proposed a private member's bill seeking to ensure public funds in the academic space are not deployed solely based on a student’s race, aligning with a broader government vision of a "colourblind" public service.
However, she has faced criticism for that over the last week. The most notable one has been from Khylee Quince, Dean of Law at Auckland University of Technology, who remarked, "Immigrant Forgets Where She Lives". This highlights a troubling undercurrent of resistance towards migrant voices in legislative processes.
The issue in question is one of the rights and privileges indigenous people enjoy in a post-colonial, inter-connected world. It’s one that’s not limited by geography. Several societies are still coming to grips with the myriad of challenges years of colonialism have thrown up. Identity no doubt is one of those. It is also not the only one.
As nations evolve, discussing these issues is not just good-to-have. It’s critical. But any attempt to discuss disenfranchisement by disenfranchising others, quite frankly, doesn’t help anyone or any cause. If anything, it creates new barriers to an honest reflection on such issues that must surely be talked about.
It also helps to be reasonable. People’s wisdom and knowledge cannot be judged by whether they agree with you or not. Dismissing a point of view as ill-informed just because it doesn’t speak to your interpretation of the world makes any reasonable discussion a non-starter.
In Parmar’s case, her critics have pointed out she migrated in the 1990s, and that she needs to understand New Zealand’s history before delving into such sensitive issues. That approach is wrong on, at the very least, two counts.
First, it assumes Parmar hasn’t read her history. There’s not much evidence presented to support that theory. Second, she has been in the country for only about three decades or thereabouts. That is to suggest what? That 30 years is not sufficient time to study the issue? That discounts a basic fact of life – most people can spend a lifetime without having learnt a fraction of what some others can figure out in just a few years.
The ease with which Parmar’s identity has been questioned in this context also reveals a paradox within our society. On one hand, migrants are encouraged to integrate and contribute; on the other, their legitimacy in participating fully, especially in policymaking, is sometimes questioned. This dichotomy is not only unjust but also detrimental to New Zealand's progress. Migrants bring diverse perspectives, skills, and experiences that enrich our communities and drive innovation. To sideline their voices is to forfeit the myriad benefits they offer.
The historical context of migration from countries like India further accentuates this narrative. India's history is marked by periods of colonisation and occupation, during which its people endured significant hardships under foreign rule. Yet, despite this legacy, Indian migrants have consistently demonstrated resilience and a commitment to contributing positively to their adopted homelands. In New Zealand, the Indian community has been instrumental in various sectors, from business to academia, embodying the spirit of perseverance and dedication.
Moreover, the bipartisan support Parmar received in the wake of the criticism is a testament to the recognition of the invaluable role migrants play. Minister for Ethnic Communities, Mark Mitchell, deemed the comments against Parmar "highly inappropriate", emphasising the importance of social cohesion and the value every individual brings, regardless of their time in the country. Similarly, Labour's Priyanca Radhakrishnan asserted that such remarks have "no place in the House of Representatives or anywhere in New Zealand," reinforcing the principle that all MPs, irrespective of their migration background, have equal rights to serve and propose legislation.
For New Zealand to truly thrive in an increasingly globalised world, it is imperative to move beyond mere tolerance towards genuine understanding and inclusion of migrants. This entails recognising the unique challenges they face, appreciating the diverse perspectives they bring, and ensuring they have equitable opportunities to contribute at all levels of society.
Educational institutions, policymakers, and community leaders must work collaboratively to foster environments where diversity is not just accepted but celebrated.
The incident involving Parmar serves as a poignant reminder of the work still needed to achieve a truly inclusive society. By embracing the contributions of migrants and ensuring their voices are heard and valued, New Zealand can continue to build a future that reflects the richness of its diverse people and upholds the principles of equity and mutual respect.