New Zealand First leader Winston Peters gets an ally in a Chinese immigrant regarding the issue that Auckland is increasingly becoming more like China. (Photo : Getty Images)
In a letter emailed to New Zealand First leader Winston Peters, a Chinese immigrant and real estate agent working in Auckland expressed concerns about the town becoming more like China, NZ Herald reported.
The letter particularly discussed his views about Auckland's immigration policy and housing crisis.
"Instead of seeing a balanced ethnic mix, Auckland started to acquire an unwholesomely Chinese flavour," the immigrant wrote after recounting that when his family first moved to the town's central region in 2001, he hoped to "embrace a new lifestyle."
"We remember Auckland as being a city with a unique blend of European and native cultures that is termed 'Kiwi,' while the influx of migrants from different ethnicities steadily added vibrancy, colour and prosperity to the city," the letter said.
The property agent pointed out that in the New Zealand town, there is a plethora of "poorly designed, cheap signs written only in Chinese or with minimal English" and "the supplement shops, internet cafes, restaurants plus a few seemingly dodgy places that are catering exclusively to Chinese customers."
The letter sender also noted that when he encountered two young Japanese professionals, they said that "going to Auckland is like going to China. You don't hear English, you don't see Kiwis, there is just Chinese, Chinese and Chinese."
As an agent in the real estate sector, the Chinese native also shared instances when fellow immigrants have dominated his industry.
"I remember seeing young couples with their hands clenched and eyes glued to the auction screen, only to find their first dream house outbid by someone screaming in Mandarin."
Nonetheless, in an interview with Newshub, the immigrant clarified that he was not worried about Chinese domination, it was about "how do you want your Auckland and your New Zealand to be?"
"Do we want trained, skilled professionals to bring our economy to the next level or all we want to see is another Chinese restaurant around the corner, or foreign visitors mistaking Auckland for China?" the Chinese asked rhetorically.
As a conclusion to his letter, the immigrant wrote: "It is time for us New Zealanders to rethink."
