Grey Power is being criticised for calling on Auckland Council to review the number of Asian immigrants in the city.
As part of a submission for Auckland Council's 30-year plan, the lobby group asked for a forum to look at the changing face of Auckland and the impact of different cultures.
Grey Power's submission is based on population forecasts which suggest the Asian community will be the dominant ethnic group in Auckland by 2040.
Auckland regional director Bill Rayner says the proposal is not meant to offend anyone, but many of its members want the country's population to remain Pacific-based and not have such a large Asian component.
The Asia New Zealand Foundation calls the submission racist and says Grey Power should be ashamed for suggesting such a thing.
Race Relations Commissioner Joris de Bres says it would be unacceptable to stop only Asian immigration.
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Heated exchange
There was a heated exchange between Mr Rayner and Councillor Cathy Casey on Monday when she said immigration is an issue for the Government, not the council.
Mr Rayner said that as the council covers a large proportion of the country's population, it should take the matter seriously.
He says he was shocked by Ms Casey's attitude, but suggests she is sensitive to the issue because of being an Irish immigrant.