International Implications of Race Relations in New Zealand

Abstract

This pamphlet is concerned with the attempts being made in New Zealand and internationally to eliminate racial discrimination. The introduction rapidly traces the development, especially since the horrors of Hitler’s ‘final solution’ and the decolonisation of many of the world’s peoples, of international concern with human rights and particularly with racial discrimination. The author discusses the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and the enforcement methods it establishes. The third section concerns the Race Relations Act 1971 – legislation enacted to give effect to that Convention, by which New Zealand is bound. Finally, the paper looks at certain special legislation and the measures relating to Maori and other Polynesian groups in the light of the obligations arising from the Convention.

Keywords: Racial discrimination, CERD, Race Relations Act.

JEL Classification: K33, K39