Re: ‘Respecting the many differences' (The Weekend Sun, February 17).

In response to the letter from S Smith concerning the young woman who insulted and assaulted the young Muslim woman. While in no way excusing that behaviour I do wonder what prompted it. Would the Muslim women been noticed had they not been wearing their hijab? S Smith said the offender was an unemployed person of no fixed abode. Are they blaming the influx of immigrants for her situation?

In my travels I have always been mindful and respectful of the culture and customs of the countries I have visited, in particular Saudi Arabia and South East Asia, and have dressed and behaved appropriately. ‘When in Rome do as the Romans do'. This quote means when visiting a foreign land, follow the customs of those who live in it.

But to many I have discussed the immigration problem with in New Zealand it is widely believed that immigrants bring their country with them and make no effort to assimilate.

Wearing the hijab, abaya and niqab invite racial abuse and I fear this will continue to happen - sadly not everyone in New Zealand embraces and respects difference. Instead they feel the New Zealand they grew up in is being overrun and that one day in the future ‘Kiwi culture' will disappear.

P Jeffares, Bethlehem.