New Zealand Police are issuing a warning about hate crimes in the country.
In a post on Facebook, police say officer, and other people in New Zealand, do not tolerate offences motivated by hostility against a person because of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion, political beliefs, age, the office they hold, or similar factors.
"These offences are also known as "hate" crimes or crimes of prejudice.
"Where such crimes are reported to police they are vigorously investigated. Police work closely with representatives of communities and organisations like the Human Rights Commission to protect the rights and freedoms of all New Zealanders.
"If you are aware of racially motivated abuse or violence against members of your family or community you should report it."
Report any crime of prejudice to Police by calling 105 or online at 105.police.govt.nz
In an emergency call 111
You can also make a complaint to the Human Rights Commission here: https://www.hrc.co.nz/enquiries-and-complaints/
Additional resources to assist with support and assistance: https://www.hrc.co.nz/resources/responding-racism/
4 comments
Slippery Slope
Posted on 16-05-2020 08:30 | By Walbuck
Perceived 'Hate Crime' vs Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Opinion. It's a slippery slope Look out !!! Big Brother and their Thought Police are on Patrol
@Walbuck.
Posted on 16-05-2020 12:32 | By morepork
I share your concern about readiness to play the "hate speech" card in order to "win" an argument, (when it is already lost on logical grounds), and the curtailment of freedom of speech and opinion which can follow from this. People are entitled to their opinions (even if those opinions are dreadful) and they are entitled to express them in a free country, which we must value above all else. BUT, that does not mean that we should encourage Racism or any other kind of prejudice, and the continual harassment of people on these grounds infringes their right to the same happiness that the rest of us enjoy. Abusing people is not and should never be the Kiwi way. However, the issues that lead to "hate speech" can never be addressed if people are locked up for what they SAID, rather than what they DID. "Sticks and stones..."
A very fine line.
Posted on 16-05-2020 12:50 | By morepork
I thought more after my response to Walbuck. I have been passionate about Freedom of Speech throughout my life and have defended it in many places around the World. So, I guess I'm biased. I'm also fairly thick skinned so I can dismiss verbal abuse or retaliate in kind.(nobody LIKES being abused :-)) I don't like the idea of Policemen (for example...) having to suffer abuse in the execution of their duty, or a non-white person being abused because of their skin colour. I see diversity as a great asset for our nation. So, how do we deal with this? If someone spits on someone, that is an action and may constitute assault, but if they simply swear at them the lines become more blurred. What if someone gets racially abused verbally every day? Is that OK? Obviously it isn't. We need to redefine "respect" for all.
Irony at Play
Posted on 18-05-2020 13:15 | By wayjan
How ironic, that quote "Police work closely with representatives of communities and organisations like the Human Rights Commission to protect the rights and freedoms of all New Zealanders." unquote... when those Rights and Freedoms of NZers were withheld during the course of this lockdown with the aid of the Police!
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