Impact of Rena incident in Tauranga

Main BodyThe Office of Ethnic Affairs is investigating media reports that anti-Filipino sentiment has emerged in Tauranga in reaction to the Rena disaster. The NZ Herald and the Stuff website are reporting today (Friday 14 October) that members of the Tauranga Filipino community say they are feeling the wrath of locals outraged by the disaster.

The Office of Ethnic Affairs (OEA) has spoken to its contacts in the Filipino community and understands from them that only one or two minor comments have been reported. The Filipino Association in Tauranga says it is also receiving messages of support from the local community. I would like just to let you know that I have had several conversations with representatives of the Filipino community and I was assured that there was no incidence of abuse related to the Rena accident so far in Tauranga. A better understanding of the situation might come up this Sunday when the Tauranga Filipino Association will have a meeting to discuss the situation. The Association was also hosting the Consul general of the Philippines who offered them full support. My understanding is that people of Tauranga might be blaming the ship crew and captain for the accident and the rumors that the captain was drunk has made it worse.
Please also note that the local Filipino Association was establish in Tauranga over 20 years ago, and it is true that there are many new arrivals to NZ from that country, however there is also a lot of people well settled here for many years. They are NZ citizens and feel as bad as anyone else about the disaster, or even worse because of the nationality of the captain. In my interview with the National radio I have appealed to the people of Tauranga to show some sympathy to our local Filipinos because of the disaster

Kind Regards
Ewa

President Tauranga Regional Multicultural Council Inc.
P. O. Box 447
Tauranga Forresters Hall
Historic Village at 17th Avenue
ph 07 5716419
private 07 5771644
www.nzfmc.org.nz
www.trmc.co.nz

Usage

AcknowledgementTe Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries

Relates To

EventsTauranga Memories (2011-2021) - Events

Admin

AuthorTauranga Regional Multicultural CouncilType of ContributionCommunity story Last edited by: Matanga Taonga Tuku Iho Maori

TaxonomyStories | Events

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Impact of Rena incident in Tauranga