Tongan Student speaks out over racial abuse experienced in New Zealand ^Featured

Tupou, who moved to Christchurch in 2014, says she has been called the n-word on the streets of Christchurch and other derogatory remarks about her race.

She said she also experienced racism for being a Polynesian at a private all girls school.

Tupou said during her time at the private school, people often questioned her belonging at the school because of her darker skin.

"This couple was walking in [to the school] ... and I could hear the woman say 'I didn't know black people could go here'," she said.

Outside of her school life, the racism continued.

Maryanne Tupou, who moved to Christchurch in 2014, says she has been called the n-word on the streets of Christchurch and other derogatory remarks about her race.

"One night, we were just in some club and on the dance floor ... and there was this guy standing there and he just looked at me and was like 'n..... b....!'"

Tupou said she has also been yelled at by cars driving past her on the streets of Christchurch.

"They just drove past, put their head out the window and they're like 'get back to your f...... boat!'

"I mean I came here on a plane, but okay," Tupou said.

But the racism doesn't stop there.

"And I've had so many people that go, 'oh you're pretty hot for a black girl' or 'oh I've never f..... a black girl before', and I'm just like okay, cool very dehumanising but cool," Tupou said.

Tupou believes New Zealand needs more education on other cultures and faiths for it to become more tolerant.

"I think just teaching people to be more open minded, you don't have to be like 'oh my god I'm so sorry for all the things that has happened to you' ... you don't have to walk in their shoes, just try and understand what it must be like for them to be in their shoes."

- RNZI