Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Reports of backlash against Filipino community

Updated at 1:00 pm on 14 October 2011

Tauranga mayor Stuart Crosby says there has been a backlash against the Filipino community by some people in Tauranga since the grounding of the container ship off the coast.

The ship's master and navigational officer, both from the Phillipines, have been charged with operating a vessel in a manner causing unnecessary danger or risk.

Mr Crosby told Morning Report that the council has had reports of a Filipino shop owner having problems.

He says the situation is very unfortunate, but he says the council is working with the Filipino community and he is confident it is a one-off incident.

The chair of Tauranga's multicultural council, Ewa Fenn, says it is wrong to make a link to the city's Filipinos.

She says people should have some sympathy with the locals who probably feel some shame that Filipino seamen have been connected with the grounding.

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