Kiwi Business Owner Shares Views on Race Debate in 1News State of the Nation Series

Published 2026-11-14

1News has released a new interview in its State of the Nation series, which asks ordinary New Zealanders about the issues that matter most to them. In this edition, the broadcaster speaks with a 52-year-old business owner from a town in the North Island. The interview focuses on his feelings about race and how often the topic appears in public discussion.

The business owner says he does not like the way race is becoming more common in conversations across the country. He describes himself as a New Zealander first and says he wants people to be treated as one community. His comments reflect a view held by some people in New Zealand, who feel that debates about race have grown louder in recent years.

Race and identity have been widely discussed in New Zealand politics, the media and everyday life. Some people believe that open discussion about these topics is important for understanding and fairness. Others feel that focusing on differences between groups can divide communities. The State of the Nation series aims to present these different voices so that readers can hear the views of people from many backgrounds and regions.

The interview is part of a wider project that looks at what everyday New Zealanders think about the country's future. Readers can watch the full conversation on 1News to hear the business owner's views in more detail and to form their own opinions about this important topic.

Sources: 1News

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