P Burrell of Katikati is wrong that there is no mention of what the values espoused by New Zealand First should be (The Weekend Sun, October 5). They were very clearly defined at the convention but, as always, the media chose selective reporting.

Mechanisms are needed to keep New Zealand respected by those who come here to live. Many come from countries where women are treated as second-class citizens, and violence, and only one form of religion is tolerated.

New Zealand has laws that don't allow this. We have gender equality, laws against violence, and religious freedom. Immigrants need to understand their religion and culture will be respected here, but they must respect ours and obey the laws of the land. They should not try to change the way we do things. It's not racist, simply respect for the way we live here. It's common sense – which is what New Zealand First has always stood for.

P Burrell says his values would be: learn English and practice what the Ten Commandments preach. Well, NZ First's introductory statement on respecting values began with a reminder that New Zealand has Christian-based values whether one is religious or not. So we're talking from the same page.

M Guy, Otumoetai (Abridged).