New Zealand Immigration Minister Erica Stanford is facing intense criticism after admitting in Parliament that she doesn’t respond to emails from individuals in India, labeling them “almost akin to spam.” The comment, made on May 6 while defending her use of a personal Gmail account for ministerial communication, has been widely seen as insensitive and discriminatory.
Statement Draws Political and Public Criticism
During her remarks, Stanford stated:
“There are emails from individuals in India seeking immigration advice. I never respond to them. I consider them almost akin to spam.”
Her comment prompted a strong reaction from Labour MP Priyanca Radhakrishnan, who is of Indian origin. Speaking to The Indian Weekender, Radhakrishnan said the statement reinforces negative stereotypes and is unacceptable behavior from a government minister.
Clarification Fails to Quell Concerns
Facing public backlash, Stanford issued a clarification, claiming she had been misinterpreted. “I did not say that I consider them as spam,” she stated. “I only said that I consider them almost akin to spam.” However, the nuanced difference failed to ease the outrage, with critics arguing that the underlying sentiment remains problematic.
Community and Advocacy Groups React
Members of New Zealand’s Indian community and various immigrant rights advocates have condemned the statement, calling it a reflection of a troubling attitude toward migrants. Many have demanded a formal apology and greater transparency on how immigration-related correspondence is handled by the minister and her office.
Growing Pressure for Accountability
As the debate gains momentum, calls for ministerial accountability are growing louder. Critics argue that such remarks undermine trust in the immigration system and alienate one of New Zealand’s largest migrant populations.
For now, Erica Stanford remains under intense scrutiny, and pressure continues to mount for her to formally apologise and engage more constructively with migrant communities moving forward.
