2004 Media Articles

Stuff.co.nz

Bic Runga finds 'racism' headlines heartbreaking

Original content copyright 2004 to  Stuff.co.nz

Original article is at:    Stuff.co.nz

Date:                         29 March, 2004

By:                           

Runga's racism experiences 'blown out of context'

Bic Runga's mother recalls her famous daughter being hurt by racial taunts as a child but says recent media comments have been sensationalised.

The hugely successful Christchurch singing export was quoted in the Belfast Telegraph as saying New Zealand could be a racist place and "relationships can be really bad between Maoris and others".

It also reported Runga to have said her childhood in Christchurch was tough and racism was a constant feature.

Sophia Runga, who is Asian, said last night that her daughter's reported experiences of racism while growing up in Christchurch had been blown out of proportion and taken out of context.

"It's not true, she's not bagging New Zealand, she's just telling how she felt when she was a child," she said.

"Why should she talk badly about New Zealand? It's the only country she's got."

Sophia Runga said that nasty remarks had been a part of her daughter's childhood in suburban Christchurch but it did not mean she thought the country was racist.

Growing up, Runga had Maori and Pakeha friends, her mother said.

"When you're growing up in those days there was not many Chinese. They asked me to hop back to my banana boat – I don't even know what a banana boat is.

"I think that it still happens now. I think sometimes kids can be so cruel, especially when you look different."

At the age of five, Runga came home from school upset about her Chinese and Maori ancestry after a teacher had asked her to explain "what" she was.

"Maybe she sort-of bottled it up and when the Irish paper asked her about her childhood I guess she just told them," Sophia Runga added.

Her daughter was shocked when she was told about the New Zealand media reports.

"I said to her: 'What have you done? What have you said?' She didn't even know (about the New Zealand reports)."

In a statement released yesterday, Runga said she was disappointed with the reports.

"Sensational headlines do not truthfully convey what I think nor who I am," she said.

"No country is without racism, I grew up with it, that was my experience. It has not made me bitter or ashamed. New Zealand is a beautiful and unique place.

"I love my country and I am proud to represent it internationally. It is heartbreaking to come home and read these headlines."

Runga returned to New Zealand yesterday for an acoustic tour during which she will mainly perform in old churches across the country.