Hamilton Mayor Andrew King (left) has criticised Hamilton City Councillor James R Casson for his comments on social media. Mr Casson, a former police officer who later worked for Immigration New Zealand, posted on Facebook about the 15 March atrocity. Mr King wouldn't call Mr Casson's comments racist but did say they were unacceptable. The member was giving his opinion as a democratically-elected member," Mr King said. Immigration NZ has responded to comments made by Mr Casson, stating: "INZ wishes to make it clear that it doesn't support the comments made by this employee."

Source: Otago Daily Times March 31, 2019 20:26 UTC