RACE EQUALITY UPHELD BY P.M.

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30976, 4 February 1966, Page 1

RACE EQUALITY UPHELD BY P.M.

Rugby Invitation

Referred To

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, February 3.

The Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake) said tonight that the Government could not regard the principle of full racial equality as being “outweighed or qualified by practices which have domestic application elsewhere in the world.”

In a policy statement on racial equality, Mr Holyoake said he understood the recent invitation to the New Zealand Rugby Union to send a team to South Africa next year, would not allow the inclusion of Maoris.

“Let there be no doubt that the Government regards the principle of full racial equality as basic to New Zealand’s way of life,” he said.

“It cannot regard this principle as outweighed or qualified by practices which have domestic application elsewhere in the world.”

Mr Holyoake said that New Zealand would not truly be represented in any sphere by a group chosen on racial lines.

Normally, the Government did not comment on the affairs of sporting organisations because they were outside the field of government intervention, the Prime Minister said.

Nevertheless, he also be-

lieved that where important moral issues are involved—fundamental to our national integrity the Government has a duty to state clearly the principles which in its view New Zealanders should observe at home and abroad. “I do not think the Government should seek to impose standards of conduct—but it should proclaim these standards.”

Mr Holyoake said he felt it appropriate to make his policy statement, because New Zealand would celebrate the one hundred and twenty-sixth anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi at the week-end a treaty under which New Zealanders, Maori and Pakeha, became one people.

“I have made this statement at this time and in this way, because I am aware of the concern with which this question is regarded throughout New Zealand—and be-

cause I believe that people everywhere are entitled to know clearly where the New Zealand Government stands,” said Mr Holyoake.