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Apparently it is racist to point out facts.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says those sharing racist rhetoric about the role of iwi in caring for the maunga where six people remain missing after a landslide should keep it to themselves.
Luxon was on Monday at He Maimai Aroha, where a community care centre has been set up in Mount Maunganui to support those grieving after last Thursday’s landslide at Beachside Holiday Park.
Recovery efforts were paused on Sunday because of the risk of further slips at the site, but resumed Monday.
Questioned about comments circulating online, the prime minister said he was aware of misinformation but the focus needed to be on recovering those still missing in the landslide.
“There always is, in circumstances like this, and that’s why we want to make sure right here right now we are doing everything we can in recovery mode to make sure we recover six people,” he said.
“Right here, right now we need to stay together and support each other and come together in unity – which is what this community has done by the vast majority exceptionally well.
“And the people on the margins with their rhetoric, they need to just frankly keep it to themselves.”
Stuff
