23 Dec 2019
Race relations commissioner defends NZ use of 'Black Pete'
The race relations commissioner has defended the New Zealand Dutch community's continued use of controversial Christmas character Black Pete. He first appeared in Dutch literature in the 19th Century, as a companion to St Nicholas. The use of black face to portray him has stirred up controversy in recent years, including earlier this month when he made an appearance at St Nicholas Day celebrations in Christchurch. Anan Zaki reports