The Race Relations Commissioner is worried racial tensions could rise as the recession unravels gains in employment and standard of living.
In a report issued on Wednesday, Mr de Bres says interest in racist organisations is already rising in areas like the Kapiti Coast, Taranaki and various South Island towns.
The National Alliance, which is comprises several organisations described as extreme right-wing groups, says requests to join have rocketed since late last year.
Chairman Kyle Chapman says membership requests have increased from one or two per month to five or six per week. Most of the new members are young people.
The Race Relations Commissioner says he is also concerned the recession might halt or reverse many socio-economic gains made by Maori and Pacific Islanders.
