In praise of Filipinos

I get the point that Shane Jones was making. It would be nice to use New Zealanders to meet our workforce requirements.

But I was very disappointed in the way he made his point. He chose to damn by implication Filipino workers (‘We are going to do the work ourselves’, Feb 5).

Was Shane Jones being the shockjock or the ‘‘real’’ Shane Jones?

Either way his words were illconceived and harmful. I have worked with Filipinos for many years, and I have an immense respect for them and what they bring to our country. They work hard, are law abiding and culturally respectful, raise their children with love and care and are fun to be around. And, ye,s they are mostly devout Catholics, though why Shane Jones mentioned this I have no idea.

The funding the Government announced this week for employment initiatives seemed to be targeted at Ma¯ ori and Polynesian youth. It will be used most effectively if the initiatives are implemented by working with the people and cultures involved. That is, with the cultural sensitivity that Shane Jones so obviously lacks.

I have one question, not for Shane Jones, but for the immigration minister perhaps: can we swap Shane Jones for a Filipino?

Geoff Booth, Pukerua Bay