ASSIGNMENT: SLOW BOAT FROM CHINA 02/09/1999

“Richard Long presents a current affairs programme covering important issues from New Zealand and around the world. ” From the New Zealand Listener

“They are known simply as ‘boat people’, groups mainly from China who take perilous and illegal journeys in search of a new home. Australia in recent years has seen many reach its shores, the boats barely seaworthy, the human cargo often duped with false promises of jobs and prosperity. Two months ago we were told a boat was heading our way, legislation to detain and deal with prospective illegal immigrants was rushed through Parliament. But the boat, the Alexandra 2, simply disappeared. Assignment Mark Sainsbury looks at just how close the boats have come to our shores and why their occupants risk so much. We also take you to Hong Kong as the immigration problem threatens China, and we look at the mystery of which two boats turned up in New Caledonia, boats our neighbours say were heading here.” (Assignment: Slow Boat From China)

Minister of Immigration: Tuariki Delamere.