Attorney General’s constitutional advice on Treaty Principles bill will be interesting
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- Date published:
10:13 am, September 12th, 2024 - 46 comments
Categories: david seymour, Judith Collins, law, Politics -
Tags: attorney-general, constitutional law, royal assent, Treaty of waitangi
David Seymour finally released some hard information about Act’s coalition bone – the proposed and apparently still non-existent Treaty Principles Bill. The regulatory impact statement (RIS) on the proposed bill is damning and points to the status quo as being preferable to what is in the proposed in the (missing) draft bill. It will provide an interesting scope for Judith Collins in her role as Attorney-General when she provides advice on the constitutional validity of the eventual bill before that bill is presented to parliament for its first reading.
This advice from the Attorney General is required to be very clear, legally based, and non-partisan. If it isn’t then it provides a basis for a constitutional crisis if it passes parliament in an unsound constitutional form. Both when it goes to royal assent and in any challenges in the courts of the Crown.
If a bill passes its third reading, it is delivered to the governor-general by the clerk of the House of Representatives, who, assuming that constitutional convention is followed, will grant Royal Assent as a matter of course. Some constitutional lawyers, such as Professor Philip Joseph, believe the governor-general does retain the power to refuse Royal Assent to bills in exceptional circumstances—specifically if democracy were to be abolished.[65] Others, such as former law professor and Prime Minister Sir Geoffrey Palmer and Professor Matthew Palmer argue any refusal of Royal Assent would cause a constitutional crisis.[66]
As a practical reality, because the Royal Assent to a bill must follow quickly after its passage by the House of Representatives, if there is any substantial issue about the constitutional validity of a bill, the issue must be considered by the attorney-general before the bill is introduced into the House.[67][note 2]
The RIS summarises the unseen bill (hopefully they actually sighted something more substantive than the coalition agreement) as being of limited to no practical use constitutionally, and that its overview regulatory impact has been severely impacted by constraints. As Minister of Justice and Attorney-General, the RIS will undoubtedly be a primary legal basis for Judith Collins independent advice to parliament.
Although the proposal to introduce the Bill could have some value, we consider the status quo is more beneficial. Under this option, the courts and the Waitangi Tribunal would continue to articulate the meaning of the Treaty principles in line with the existing legislation and practice. This option would uphold Treaty obligations to the same extent as they are now.
The final content of the principles in the proposed Bill is yet to be determined and it might be possible to develop principles that align with established law and the spirit and intent of the Treaty/te Tiriti. However, their description in the policy proposal is inconsistent with the Treaty/te Tiriti. It does not accurately reflect Article 2, which affirms the continuing exercise of tino rangatiratanga. Restricting the rights of hapū and iwi to those specified in legislation, or agreement with the Crown, implies that tino rangatiratanga is derived from kāwanatanga. It reduces indigenous rights to a set of ordinary rights that could be exercised by any group of citizens.
An interpretation of Article 2 that does not recognise the collective rights held by iwi and hapū, or the distinct status of Māori as the indigenous people of Aotearoa New Zealand, calls into question the very purpose of the Treaty and its status in our constitutional arrangements.
The status quo also provides a higher degree of certainty about what the Treaty principles are and how they operate in New Zealand law. The existing principles have been developed over years of jurisprudence and by the actions of successive Governments. Defining the principles of the Treaty/te Tiriti in legislation might provide a level of clarity about the intent of Parliament when it refers to the principles, but it could also introduce more uncertainty into our constitutional arrangements because it would unsettle the established jurisprudence about the effect of the principles.
The status quo might also minimise the risk of damaging Māori-Crown relations because the proposed Bill could be seen as an attempt to limit the rights and obligations created by the Treaty. This would present a significant risk to the Māori-Crown relationship and could have flow-on effects into other parts of the relationship. We note that neither the status quo, nor the proposed Bill, will address broader questions about how the Treaty/te Tiriti shapes our constitutional arrangements. However, the status quo preserves space for future engagement with iwi and hapū as the Crown’s Treaty partner about our constitutional arrangements in a process that prioritises public engagement, social cohesion, transparency, and the legitimacy of the outcome.
The Waitangi Tribunal has released its interim report on the urgent inquiry into the Treaty Principles Bill. In the report, Ngā mātāpono The Principles: The Interim Report of the Tomokia Ngā Tatau o Matangireia – the Constitutional Kaupapa Inquiry Panel on the Crown’s Treaty Principles Bill and Treaty Clause Review Policies, it found that the Treaty Principles Bill policy is unfair, discriminatory, and inconsistent with the principles of the Treaty and contrary to the article 2 guarantee of tino rangatiratanga. It also found that it will be significantly prejudicial to Māori. The findings have informed our analysis.
Which is exactly what anyone who knows about the constitutional arrangements of NZ and our recently formed Parliament (it formally became our parliament in 1986) would understand.
What is also of significance were the constraints imposed on the process by David Seymour (in their role as Associate Minister of Justice) on the regulatory impact statement. Quite simply he deliberately and maliciously has attempted to muffle coherent analysis beyond his own idiotic and ill-informed opinions. This is reflected in the RIS.
The Associate Minister of Justice directed a process that did not include public consultation on policy. Instead, public engagement will occur as part of the select committee process. The limited timeframes and lack of consultation to date have left gaps in the analysis. These gaps will need to be addressed prior to the introduction of a Bill. Cabinet will need to provide policy approval and final approval of the Bill for introduction.
The RIS includes the findings from the Waitangi Tribunal urgent inquiry. The evidence from the Waitangi Tribunal urgent inquiry, although not representing all possible views, is highly relevant and has assisted our analysis
A side effect of limited consultation means that we have relied on costs from previous initiatives. Those costs are accurate and can be taken with a high degree of confidence. However, predictions of future costs and benefits are not fully informed by engagement with affected groups. Where possible, costs have been provided in a range. Therefore, costings for future events can be taken with a moderate degree of confidence. With additional time we would have gathered more precise costs and assessed benefits to the Crown, Māori, and the public.
Which explains why the Waitangi Tribunial chose to publish their damning findings from a urgent inquiry into the proposed (and still not presented) bill. Also why Act and David Seymour were so anxious to prevent them from doing it on the quite spurious grounds that they could only look at it after a bill was presented to parliament. It would inform the advice of the required RIS on the proposed (and still incomplete) bill.
It is quite clear from his instructions that our Associate Minister of Justice wasn’t interested in having any constitutional facts guiding this constitutional change. He preferred the kind of blind and wilful ignorance that has been clearly apparent in comments from Act supporters in recent days. Morons from Act parroting Seymour’s spin appear to have never taken any interest in our actual constitutional arrangements or even the history that formed them.
It explains why we are going to have a six month select committee process over the still non-existent bill. That is going to be far too short.
My personal guess is that Act, David Seymour and their maliciously ignorant (and probably racist) supporters will continue to try to stifle submissions to the select committee. That has clearly been their game plan to date on this still non-existent bill. They have clearly been pushing to not consider the constitutional implications of the Treaty between the Crown and Maori. In particular that our parliament is not fully sovereign nor is it a direct party to the Treaty of Waitangi made in 1840 and which was prior to the first general assembly in 1854 under a act of the British parliament.
So prepare to help to swamp the select committee with long well-written and knowledgeable submissions requesting time in front of the committee. Appeal when the treasonous minions of Act attempt to stifle your voices in favour of not changing our constitutional basis and society for their racist and bigoted dog-whistling. I know that I will make and effort for a change.
Await the advice of our Attorney-General Judith Collins with anticipation (I cannot believe that I just wrote that) because in that role Attorney-General Judith Collins has the weight of history and legal process in her advice to Parliament.
The Attorney-General has a different role to that of all other Ministers of the Crown. The fundamental responsibility of the Attorney-General, when acting as the senior Law Officer of the Crown, is to act in the public interest. In exercising the powers, functions and duties of a Law Officer, the Attorney-General disregards any political interest or partisan considerations.
and
The Attorney-General also has special responsibilities to Parliament in
relation to legislation. These underscore the independence with which the
duties of the Attorney-General must be exercised.
- Under s 7 of the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990, the AttorneyGeneral reports to the House of Representatives any provision in a bill introduced to Parliament that they consider to be inconsistent with the Bill of Rights.
- For all bills apart from those for which the Minister of Justice has responsibility, the Attorney is advised by the Ministry of Justice, reflecting the view that in its preliminary stages the Bill of Rights vetting process raises policy matters. To avoid any perception of a conflict of interest, bills promoted by the Minister of Justice are vetted by Crown Law which then advises the Attorney-General. Crown Law will also advise in any case where an adverse report to the Attorney is
contemplated.- Under s 7A of the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 the AttorneyGeneral must bring to the attention of the House of Representatives any final declaration by a Court that an enactment is inconsistent with the Bill of Rights.
- The Attorney must also approve the giving of, or sharing of, Government legal advice to Parliamentary select committees if they seek legal assistance. The main role of Crown Law is to advise the Government, and the provision of advice to select committees accordingly is rare.
Judith Collins is likely to be judged in the future solely based on that non-partisan advice. Curiously, I trust her to do the advice as Attorney-General with her usual legal due diligence. Quite unlike her previous more political roles like Minister of Police.
In the mean time, I’m going to have a closer look at the members of the select committee…
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Hipkins says when considering tax settings and the size of government, the big question mark is over what happens with the balance between the size of the working-age population and the growing number of Kiwis over the age of 65. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMōrena. Long stories short; here’s ...1 week ago
- Release: Sentencing package misses the mark by a mile
Sentencing policy announced by Minister Paul Goldsmith today is anything but new, merely window dressing to make up for backwards violent crime statistics under the National Government. ...21 hours ago - Release: Seymour’s Ministry of Double Standards
David Seymour doesn’t stick to his own standards of good regulation despite having a multimillion-dollar vanity ministry set up to do so. ...21 hours ago
- Release: Labour Leader to travel to UK
Labour Leader Chris Hipkins will travel to the United Kingdom this week to attend the annual UK Labour Party conference in Liverpool and meet with members of the new Labour Government. ...21 hours ago
- Govt Warned – Increasing Snapper Quota Breaches Fisheries Settlement
An imminent decision to increase the total allowable commercial catch (TACC) for snapper would be a direct violation of the first-ever Treaty Settlement and inevitably breach Te Tiriti o Waitangi, says Te Pāti Māori. Te Ohu Kaimoana has sought a High Court declaration to prevent the Minister of Oceans and ...2 days ago
- Govt attacks workers’ rights once again
Today’s announcement from the Minister of Workplace Relations emphasises how deep in the pocket of big business this Government really is. ...2 days ago - Release: Māori business not a priority for this Govt
Scrapping the Progressive Procurement programme designed to support and grow Māori businesses is a missed opportunity. ...3 days ago
- Release: March 15 inquiry grants cut by Government
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has cut grants helping overseas family of victims to attend the next phase of the Coronial Inquiry into the 15 March 2019 Christchurch Masjidain Attack. ...3 days ago
- Minister of Injustice seeks to Entrench largest land confiscation in History
The Waitangi Tribunal has released an Urgent Report on the Government’s proposed amendments to the Takutai Moana Act 2011. The report calls out Paul Goldsmith’s proposal for what it is: a “gross breach of the Treaty” and an “illegitimate exercise of kāwanatanga”. The Tribunal is recommending the Crown step down ...5 days ago
- Takutai Moana changes another assault on Te Tiriti
The Government must abandon its Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act interventions after the Waitangi Tribunal found it was committing gross breaches of the Treaty. ...5 days ago
- Greens call on Govt to leave Te Reo in schools alone
As Te Wiki o te Reo Māori approaches, the Government is considering deprioritising teaching Te Reo Māori in our schools. ...5 days ago
- Govt cannot ignore racism
The Government’s directive to the public service to ignore race is nothing more than a dog whistle and distraction from the structural racism we need to address. ...5 days ago
- Release: Lemauga Lydia Sosene to take medical leave
Labour’s Mangere MP Lemauga Lydia Sosene has been diagnosed with breast cancer and will shortly take medical leave. ...5 days ago
- Potential intelligence sharing with Israel must be investigated
Concerns have been raised that our spy arrangements may mean that intelligence is being shared between Aotearoa and Israel. An urgent inquiry must be launched in response to this. ...5 days ago
- Release: Charter schools undermine our education system
The Government is taking a wrecking ball to our public education system by reinstating charter schools. ...6 days ago
- Youngest MP to travel to Canada to accept Politician of the Year Award
Aotearoa’s Youngest Member of Parliament, and Te Pāti Māori MP, Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke, will travel to Montreal to accept the One Young World Politician of the Year Award next week. The One Young World Politician of the Year Award was created in 2018 to recognise the most promising young politicians between ...6 days ago
- Greens celebrate huge step forward for ADHD community
The Greens welcome today’s long-coming announcement by Pharmac of consultation to remove the special authority renewal criteria for methylphenidate, dexamfetamine and modafinil and to fund lisdexamfetamine. ...6 days ago
- Release: Millions to be spent dividing NZ for no reason
The National Party is wasting millions of dollars allowing David Seymour’s Treaty Principals Bill to be drafted and go to Select Committee. ...6 days ago
- Release: New Zealanders departing our shores at a record rate
The Migration figures released by Stats NZ today show National is continuing to drive Kiwis away from New Zealand in record numbers. ...6 days ago
- Te Tai Tokerau MP Slams Govt Overreach in Scrapping Māori Wards
Mema Paremata for Te Tai Tokerau, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi, has reflected on the decisions made by the councils of the North amidst the government’s push to remove Māori Wards and weaken mana whenua representation. “Actions taken by the Kaipara District Council to remove Māori Wards are the embodiment of the eradication ...6 days ago
- Govt already seeking advice on Treaty referendum
On one hand, the Prime Minister has assured Aotearoa that his party will not support the Treaty Principles Bill beyond first reading, but on the other, his Government has already sought advice on holding a referendum on our founding document. ...7 days ago
- Release: Aged care will be worse off if redesign rushed
New Zealanders needing aged care support and the people who care for them will be worse off if the Government pushes through a flawed and rushed redesign of dementia and aged care. ...7 days ago
- Release: Govt fails hundreds of workers as mills close
Labour is devastated at news hundreds of workers are set to lose their jobs following the closure of Winstone Pulp mills. ...7 days ago
- Job losses from mill closures consequence of Govt inaction
Hundreds of jobs lost as a result of pulp mill closures in the Ruapehu District are a consequence of government inaction in addressing the shortfalls of our electricity network. ...1 week ago
- Ngarewa-Packer devastated for Ruapehu following WPI closure
Te Pāti Māori Co-Leader and MP for Te Tai Hauāuru is devastated for the Ruapehu community following today’s decision to close two Winstone Pulp mills. “My heart goes out to all the workers, their whānau, and the wider Ruapehu community affected by the closure of Winstone Pulp International,” said Ngarewa-Packer. ...1 week ago
- Release: Cabinet should stop the Treaty Principles Bill
National Party Ministers have a majority in Cabinet and can stop David Seymour’s Treaty Principles Bill, which even the Prime Minister has described as “divisive and unhelpful.” ...1 week ago
- Release: Staff gagged to keep fast track list secret
The National Government is so determined to hide the list of potential projects that will avoid environmental scrutiny it has gagged Ministry for the Environment staff from talking about it. ...1 week ago
- Release: Labour challenges Te Whatu Ora gag orders
Labour has complained to the Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission about the high number of non-disclosure agreements that have effectively gagged staff at Te Whatu Ora Health NZ from talking about anything relating to their work. ...1 week ago
- Greens call on Treaty Principles Bill to be abandoned after letter from Christian leaders
The Green Party is once again urging the Prime Minister to abandon the Treaty Principles Bill as a letter from more than 400 Christian leaders calls for the proposed legislation to be dropped. ...1 week ago
- Sign the petition: Keep military-style firearms off our streets
Help us tell the Government that reintroducing military-style firearms should not be up for debate. ...2 weeks ago
- Vast majority of councils support Māori wards
Councils across the country have now decided where they stand regarding Māori wards, with a resounding majority in favour of keeping them in what is a significant setback for the Government. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Government on the wrong side of Māori wards
The National-led government has been given a clear message from the local government sector, as almost all councils reject the Government’s bid to treat Māori wards different to other wards. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour congratulates Kuīni Ngā Wai hono i te po Paki
The Labour Party congratulates Kuīni Ngā Wai hono i te po Paki on being crowned as the eighth Te Ariki Nui – head of Te Kiingitanga. ...2 weeks ago
- Green Party welcomes new Maaori Kuiini
The Green Party welcomes the coronation of the new Maaori Kuiini, Te Arikinui Nga Wai Hono i te Po, today in Turangawaewae. ...2 weeks ago
- ECE teachers deserve better than this Government
The Green Party is unsurprised but disappointed by today’s announcement from the Government that will see our Early Childhood Centre teachers undermined and pay parity pushed further out of reach. ...2 weeks ago
- Urgent intervention needed on supermarkets
The Green Party is calling on the Government to intervene in the supermarket duopoly dominating our supply of groceries following today’s report from the Commerce Commission. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Rainbow youth neglected in mental health funding
Labour backs the call from The Rainbow Support Collective members for mental health funding specifically earmarked for grassroots and peer led community organisations to be set up in a way that they are able to access. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Transport in NZ has to be more than just roads
As expected, the National Land Transport Programme lacks ambition for our cities and our country’s rail network and puts the majority of investment into roads. ...2 weeks ago
- Speech: Barbara Edmonds Building Nations 2024
Tēnā koutou katoa, Thank you for your warm welcome and for having my colleagues and I here today. Earlier you heard from the Labour Leader, Chris Hipkins, on our vision for the future of infrastructure. I want to build on his comments and provide further detail on some key elements ...2 weeks ago
- Govt transport plan deepens fossil fuel fix
The Green Party says the Government’s new National Land Transport Programme marks another missed opportunity to take meaningful action to fight the climate crisis. ...2 weeks ago
- Greens call for public to back Wrybill in BOTY and beyond
The Green Party is calling on the public to support the Ngutu Pare Wrybill not just in this year’s Bird of the Year competition but also in pushing back against policies that could lead to the destruction of its habitat and accelerate its extinction. ...2 weeks ago
- Improvements for New Zealand authors
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says changes to the Public Lending Right [PLR] scheme will help benefit both the National Library and authors who have books available in New Zealand libraries. “I am amending the regulations so that eligible authors will no longer have to reapply every year ...13 hours ago - Minister commends Police for gang operation
Police Minister Mark Mitchell congratulates Police for the outstanding result of their most recent operation, targeting the Comancheros. “That Police have been able to round up the majority of the Comancheros leadership, and many of their patched members and prospects, shows not only the capability of Police, but also shows ...15 hours ago
- New appointments to the EPA board
Environment Minister Penny Simmonds has announced a major refresh of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) board with four new appointments and one reappointment. The new board members are Barry O’Neil, Jennifer Scoular, Alison Stewart and Nancy Tuaine, who have been appointed for a three-year term ending in August 2027. “I would ...16 hours ago
- Enabling rural recovery works in Hawke’s Bay
Cabinet has approved an Order in Council to enable severe weather recovery works to continue in the Hawke’s Bay, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds and Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery Mark Mitchell say. “Cyclone Gabrielle and the other severe weather events in early 2023 caused significant loss and damage to ...19 hours ago
- FamilyBoost childcare payment registrations open
From today, low-to-middle-income families with young children can register for the new FamilyBoost payment, to help them meet early childhood education (ECE) costs. The scheme was introduced as part of the Government’s tax relief plan to help Kiwis who are doing it tough. “FamilyBoost is one of the ways we ...20 hours ago
- Prioritising victims with tougher sentences
The Government has today agreed to introduce sentencing reforms to Parliament this week that will ensure criminals face real consequences for crime and victims are prioritised, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. "In recent years, there has been a concerning trend where the courts have imposed fewer and shorter prison sentences ...1 day ago
- Targets data confirms rise in violent crime
The first quarterly report on progress against the nine public service targets show promising results in some areas and the scale of the challenge in others, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says. “Our Government reinstated targets to focus our public sector on driving better results for New Zealanders in health, education, ...2 days ago
- Asia Foundation Board appointments announced
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced the appointments of Hone McGregor, Professor David Capie, and John Boswell to the Board of the Asia New Zealand Foundation. Bede Corry, Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade, has also been appointed as an ex-officio member. The new trustees join Dame Fran Wilde (Chair), ...2 days ago
- Endeavour Fund projects for economic growth
New Zealand’s largest contestable science fund is investing in 72 new projects to address challenges, develop new technology and support communities, Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins says. “This Endeavour Fund round being funded is focused on economic growth and commercial outputs,” Ms Collins says. “It involves funding of more ...2 days ago
- Social Services Providers Whakamanawa National Conference 16 September 2024
Thank you for the introduction and the invitation to speak to you here today. I am honoured to be here in my capacity as Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence, and Minister for Children. Thank you for creating a space where we can all listen and learn, ...2 days ago
- Parihaka infrastructure upgrades funded
The Government will provide a $5.8 million grant to improve water infrastructure at Parihaka in Taranaki, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka say. “This grant from the Regional Infrastructure Fund will have a multitude of benefits for this hugely significant cultural site, including keeping local ...2 days ago
- Serious assaults down 22% in Auckland CBD
Cross-government action to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour in Auckland is getting traction, says Police Minister Mark Mitchell. “Our central cities should be great places to live and work, but in recent years they have become hot spots for crime and anti-social behaviour. In Auckland, businesses and residents suffered as ...2 days ago
- Increased certainty for contractors coming
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden says upcoming changes to the Employment Relations Act will provide greater certainty for contractors and businesses. “These changes to legislation are necessary to ensure businesses and workers have more clarity from the start of their contracting arrangement. It is an ACT-National coalition ...2 days ago
- Draft critical minerals list released for consultation
A draft list of minerals deemed essential to New Zealand’s economy and strengthening its mineral resilience has been released for consultation, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The draft Critical Minerals List identifies 35 minerals essential to economic functions, are in demand internationally, and face high risk of supply disruption domestically ...3 days ago
- Government eliminates $190 million in trade barriers to boost the economy
The Government has successfully removed trade barriers affecting nearly $190 million worth of exports to help grow the economy, Minister for Trade and Agriculture Todd McClay today announced. “In the past year, we have resolved 14 Non Tariff Barriers (NTBs), returning significant value to kiwi exporters. These efforts directly boost our ...3 days ago
- Reo Māori the ‘beating heart’ of Aotearoa New Zealand
From private business to the Paris Olympics, reo Māori is growing with the success of New Zealanders, says Minister for Māori Development Tama Potaka. “I’m joining New Zealanders across the country in celebrating this year’s Te Wiki o te Reo Māori – Māori Language Week, which has a big range ...4 days ago
- Need and value at forefront of public service delivery
New Cabinet policy directives will ensure public agencies prioritise public services on the basis of need and award Government contracts on the basis of public value, Minister for the Public Service Nicola Willis says. “Cabinet Office has today issued a circular to central government organisations setting out the Government’s expectations ...5 days ago
- Minister to attend Police Ministers Council Meeting
Police Minister Mark Mitchell will join with Australian Police Ministers and Commissioners at the Police Ministers Council meeting (PMC) today in Melbourne. “The council is an opportunity to come together to discuss a range of issues, gain valuable insights on areas of common interest, and different approaches towards law enforcement ...5 days ago
- New Bill to crack down on youth vaping
The coalition Government has introduced legislation to tackle youth vaping, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello announced today. “The Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Amendment Bill (No 2) is aimed at preventing youth vaping. “While vaping has contributed to a significant fall in our smoking rates, the rise in youth vaping ...5 days ago
- Interest in agricultural and horticultural products regulatory review welcomed
Regulation Minister David Seymour, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds, and Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard have welcomed interest in the agricultural and horticultural products regulatory review. The review by the Ministry for Regulation is looking at how to speed up the process to get farmers and growers access to the safe, ...6 days ago
- Bill to allow online charity lotteries passes first reading
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Government is moving at pace to ensure lotteries for charitable purposes are allowed to operate online permanently. Charities fundraising online, such as those run by the Heart Foundation, Coastguard NZ, Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust and local hospices will continue to do ...6 days ago
- Tax exempt threshold changes to benefit startups
Technology companies are among the startups which will benefit from increases to current thresholds of exempt employee share schemes, Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins and Revenue Minister Simon Watts say. Tax exempt thresholds for the schemes are increasing as part of the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2024-25, Emergency ...6 days ago
- Getting the healthcare you need, when you need it
The path to faster cancer treatment, an increase in immunisation rates, shorter stays in emergency departments and quick assessment and treatments when you are sick has been laid out today. Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has revealed details of how the ambitious health targets the Government has set will be ...6 days ago
- Targeted supports to accelerate reading
The coalition Government is delivering targeted and structured literacy supports to accelerate learning for struggling readers. From Term 1 2025, $33 million of funding for Reading Recovery and Early Literacy Support will be reprioritised to interventions which align with structured approaches to teaching. “Structured literacy will change the way children ...6 days ago
- Survivors invited to Abuse in Care national apology
With two months until the national apology to survivors of abuse in care, expressions of interest have opened for survivors wanting to attend. “The Prime Minister will deliver a national apology on Tuesday 12 November in Parliament. It will be a very significant day for survivors, their families, whānau and ...6 days ago
- Rangatahi inspire at Ngā Manu Kōrero final
Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini kē - My success is not mine alone but is the from the strength of the many. Aotearoa New Zealand’s top young speakers are an inspiration for all New Zealanders to learn more about the depth and beauty conveyed ...6 days ago
- Driving structured literacy in schools
The coalition Government is driving confidence in reading and writing in the first years of schooling. “From the first time children step into the classroom, we’re equipping them and teachers with the tools they need to be brilliant in literacy. “From 1 October, schools and kura with Years 0-3 will receive ...6 days ago
- Labour’s misleading information is disappointing
Labour’s misinformation about firearms law is dangerous and disappointing, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee says. “Labour and Ginny Andersen have repeatedly said over the past few days that the previous Labour Government completely banned semi-automatic firearms in 2019 and that the Coalition Government is planning to ‘reintroduce’ them. ...7 days ago
- Govt takes action on mpox response, widens access to vaccine
The Government is taking immediate action on a number of steps around New Zealand’s response to mpox, including improving access to vaccine availability so people who need it can do so more easily, Health Minister Dr Shane Reti and Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. “Mpox is obviously a ...7 days ago
- Next steps agreed for Treaty Principles Bill
Associate Justice Minister David Seymour says Cabinet has agreed to the next steps for the Treaty Principles Bill. “The Treaty Principles Bill provides an opportunity for Parliament, rather than the courts, to define the principles of the Treaty, including establishing that every person is equal before the law,” says Mr Seymour. “Parliament ...7 days ago
- Government unlocking potential of AI
Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins today announced a programme to drive Artificial Intelligence (AI) uptake among New Zealand businesses. “The AI Activator will unlock the potential of AI for New Zealand businesses through a range of support, including access to AI research experts, technical assistance, AI tools and resources, ...7 days ago
- Promoting faster payment times for government
The Government is sending a clear message to central government agencies that they must prioritise paying invoices in a timely manner, Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Andrew Bayly says. Data released today promotes transparency by publishing the payment times of each central government agency. This data will be published quarterly ...7 days ago
- Government releases Wairoa flood review findings
The independent rapid review into the Wairoa flooding event on 26 June 2024 has been released, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown and Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell announced today. “We welcome the review’s findings and recommendations to strengthen Wairoa's resilience against future events,” Ms ...7 days ago
- Acknowledgement to Kīngi Tuheitia speech
E te māngai o te Whare Pāremata, kua riro māku te whakaputa i te waka ki waho moana. E te Pirimia tēnā koe.Mr Speaker, it is my privilege to take this adjournment kōrero forward. Prime Minister – thank you for your leadership. Taupiri te maunga Waikato te awa Te Wherowhero ...1 week ago
- Interim fix to GST adjustment rules to support businesses
Inland Revenue can begin processing GST returns for businesses affected by a historic legislative drafting error, Revenue Minister Simon Watts says. “Inland Revenue has become aware of a legislative drafting error in the GST adjustment rules after changes were made in 2023 which were meant to simplify the process. This ...1 week ago
- Strong uptake for cervical screening self-test
More than 80 per cent of New Zealand women being tested have opted for a world-leading self-test for cervical screening since it became available a year ago. Minister of Health Dr Shane Reti and Associate Minister Casey Costello, in her responsibility for Women’s Health, say it’s fantastic to have such ...1 week ago
- Ministry for Regulation’s first Strategic Intentions document sets ambitious direction
Regulation Minister David Seymour welcomes the Ministry for Regulation’s first Strategic Intentions document, which sets out how the Ministry will carry out its work and deliver on its purpose. “I have set up the Ministry for Regulation with three tasks. One, to cut existing red tape with sector reviews. Two, ...1 week ago
- Māori Education Advisory Group established
The Education Minister has established a Māori Education Ministerial Advisory Group made up of experienced practitioners to help improve outcomes for Māori learners. “This group will provide independent advice on all matters related to Māori education in both English medium and Māori medium settings. It will focus on the most impactful ways we can lift ...1 week ago
- Government welcomes findings of NZ Superannuation Fund review
The Government has welcomed the findings of the recent statutory review into the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation and the New Zealand Superannuation Fund, Minister of Finance Nicola Willis says. The 5-yearly review, conducted on behalf of Treasury and tabled in Parliament today, found the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation ...1 week ago
- First of five new Hercules aircraft takes flight
Defence Minister Judith Collins today welcomed the first of five new C-130J-30 Hercules to arrive in New Zealand at a ceremony at the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s Base Auckland, Whenuapai. “This is an historic day for our New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) and our nation. The new Hercules fleet ...1 week ago
- NZ asked to join Taiwan Strait military sailings
The Taiwan Strait must remain free for all to traverse, Taipei’s NZ representative says The post NZ asked to join Taiwan Strait military sailings appeared first on Newsroom. ...9 mins ago - Weak campervan demand makes Tourism Holdings worst-performing stock
The tougher economic environment is making it harder for Tourism Holdings to get sales over the line The post Weak campervan demand makes Tourism Holdings worst-performing stock appeared first on Newsroom. ...9 mins ago
- Christchurch terrorist gets special status for inquest
New Zealand’s worst mass murderer has been granted “interested party” status for the upcoming coronial inquest into the Christchurch terror attack.That’s upset some in the Muslim community, including those denied government funding to attend the inquest hearing in person, who feel the terrorist’s rights are being put ahead of theirs.An ...9 mins ago
- Methanex job losses a blow to Govt’s gas plans
Comment: Without NZ’s largest gas user, it is unlikely the oil and gas industry would take a risk on a no doubt unpopular new offshore drilling operation The post Methanex job losses a blow to Govt’s gas plans appeared first on Newsroom. ...9 mins ago
- Newsroom daily quiz, Wednesday 18 September
Loading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A,DIV,A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp');Got a good quiz question? Send Newsroom your questions.The post Newsroom daily quiz, Wednesday 18 September appeared first on Newsroom. ...9 mins ago
- Parental leave helps us help our kids help themselves
Analysis: Part of the excitement of youth is that it is a time to experience new opportunities, learn new skills, rise to challenges and develop our identities.But in Aotearoa New Zealand in 2024 the real world isn’t quite so accommodating for too many. A large and growing cohort of young ...9 mins ago
- Daily crossword, Wednesday 18 September
The post Daily crossword, Wednesday 18 September appeared first on Newsroom. ...9 mins ago
- Just say the words, minister: Military. Style. Weapons. Will. Remain. Banned
Opinion: Military-style semi-automatic weapons should have been banned after the mass shooting at Aramoana in 1990 The post Just say the words, minister: Military. Style. Weapons. Will. Remain. Banned appeared first on Newsroom. ...9 mins ago
- Slow down, Mr Brown
Comment: The Government’s proposed blanket speed-limit increases will go down in history as yet another thing imposed on people that no one asked for, for example when Coca-Cola switched to New Coke or when Apple forced U2’s Songs of Innocence album into everyone’s iTunes account.After years of careful consideration, detailed ...9 mins ago
- The pageants where beauty takes a back seat
Miss World is viewed by a worldwide television audience of over one billion people.“It’s bigger than the Superbowl. It is big business, and it’s a big deal,” says the Miss World licence holder in New Zealand, Nigel Godfrey.He’s been involved in that business for more than 40 years and is ...9 mins ago
- Pro-Palestinian activists hold protests to disrupt defence expo in Australia
By Efe Özkan Pro-Palestinian anti-war activists in Australia have protested in Melbourne, disrupting a defence expo set to open on Wednesday. Protesters gathered yesterday in front of companies connected to weapons manufacturing across Melbourne as police were called to prevent an escalation of the events, according to 7News Melbourne. Many ...5 hours ago - New poll shows NZ support for recognising Palestinian statehood, sanctioning Israel
By Luka Forman, RNZ journalist A new poll shows a significant number of New Zealanders support recognising Palestine as a state and applying sanctions against Israel. Commissioned by advocacy group Justice for Palestine and conducted by Talbot-Mills, the poll found support for recognising Palestinian statehood and sanctions for Israel was ...6 hours ago
- Added insulation costs small fraction of figure given by minister – research
The building minister says he expects the new research to be factored into the government's review looking at rolling back the standards. ...6 hours ago - Call for UN sanctions on Israel to implement ICJ ruling on illegality of Palestine occupation
BDS National Committee The Palestinian BDS National Committee (BNC), the largest coalition in Palestinian society leading the global BDS movement, has called for immediate pressure on all states to support the updated resolution tabled at the UN General Assembly calling for sanctions on Israel. The resolution is aimed at enacting ...7 hours ago
- View from The Hill: The Albanese government is feeling a lot of pain from pincers
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra When a leader is on the back foot, small things are telling. On Monday, Anthony Albanese, who leaves on Thursday for a meeting of the Quad – comprising leaders of the United States, India, ...8 hours ago
- I think my child’s weight is affecting their health. How can I best support them?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Natalie Lister, Research Fellow, Paediatric Nutrition and Obesity/Pre-Diabetes Treatment, University of Sydney kwanchai.c/Shutterstock Weight fluctuation and change in body composition with growth is a normal part of development. Apart from the first year of life, teenage years experience the most rapid ...10 hours ago
- Advertising a house is ridiculously expensive in Australia – could that be affecting the property ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James Graham, Senior Lecturer in Economics, University of Sydney Andrey_Popov/Shutterstock Australia has long been one of the most expensive places in the world to buy a house. Now, it’s apparently also one of the costliest places to sell one. Recent ...10 hours ago
- Tito Jackson was a lifelong musician, best remembered for his work with the Jackson 5
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Leigh Carriage, Senior Lecturer in Music, Southern Cross University If you immediately start singing along to ABC, Blame It On The Boogie, I’ll Be There, Can You Feel It or Who’s Loving You you are a Jackson 5 fan – and for ...11 hours ago
- ‘No way’ the government’s ‘one-size-fits-all’ health approach will wor...
A new study shows Pasifika children in Aotearoa are 115 times more likely to be hospitalised with acute rheumatic fever than European children. ...11 hours ago
- Rupert Murdoch’s real-life succession drama is underway in a Nevada courtroom. What might happen n...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rodney Tiffen, Emeritus Professor, Department of Government and International Relations, University of Sydney A unique court case is getting under way in Nevada this week. At stake is the future of the Murdoch empire. The case, which begins on September 17 local ...11 hours ago
- Rules change for scheme which pays authors for library books
The government is making a change so authors whose books are held in public libraries will no longer have to reapply every year for payments. ...12 hours ago
- Patient Voice Aotearoa delivers petition to Parliament to fix Buller Hospital staffing shortages
Patient Voice Aotearoa delivered a petition to Parliament today calling on the government to urgently fix staffing shortages at Buller Hospital. ...13 hours ago
- Google is worth more in Australia than major news outlets. Here’s how it could better fund journal...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rob Nicholls, Senior Research Associate in Media and Communications, University of Sydney The Global Media Internet Concentration Project examines the concentration of the communications and media in countries around the world. The latest data for Australia have recently been released, and ...14 hours ago
- China says AUKUS is ‘driven by Cold War thinking’. Here are 3 reasons it is so threatened by the...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Benjamin Herscovitch, Research Fellow, School of Regulation and Global Governance, Australian National University Ever since AUKUS’ public announcement three years ago, China has been staunchly opposed to the partnership. Beijing has blasted AUKUS diplomatically and mounted a concerted campaign to challenge its ...15 hours ago
- The power of one: solitary carnivores outkill group hunters
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Luke Emerson, PhD Candidate in ecology, Deakin University Mark Elbroch, Panthera.org Earth’s majestic “apex predators” are some of the most prolific hunters in the world. But which ones kill the most? Our new research showed solitary hunters such as bears, ...15 hours ago
- Justice minister’s advice to gang members who want to wear patches at home: ‘Just don...
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Interested to hear the select committee process for this proposed law is $4 million. Seems like yet another waste of taxpayers money from the ACT party. They moan and conplain about government wasting money but inflict this cost of taxpayers. Moan about funding lunches in schools but waste $4 million on an unneeded referendum on the treaty of waitangi. On top of this local councils having to fork out milliona of $$ for referrndums on maori wards at a time when rates increases are going through the roof. David Seymour not practising what he preaches.
I really don't think you want Seymour to fast-track this bill through!
Complaining about the costs of a select committee process is absolutely an own-goal.
the whole thing is a waste. scrap it all and save millions. on top of this waste of money he has spent $400k so far for his ministry of bureaucracy. more wasteful spending
You're missing my point.
The select committee process is in Parliament for very good reasons.
The opposition (and members of TS) have been very hot under the collar over fast tracked legislation, with minimal select committee process, being rushed through Parliament. FWIW, I actually agree that all Fast Tracked or under Urgency legislation is a very bad idea (I will make exceptions for times of national emergency)
You do not want to hand the Government a template for not engaging with Select Committees – because it costs money!
Yeah, we do, because it's dead and Seymour's political career is also dead. The quicker both are interned the better. He'll be an irrelevancy after this.
But also, the $4 million is an estimated cost excluding the select committee process. We've had the foreplay, that's just the cost of getting this figurative abortion to conception.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/527744/extremely-conservative-estimate-suggests-4m-cost-to-progress-treaty-principles-bill
If you think that Seymour's political career is dead, you're indulging in the most wishful of thinking. There is zero evidence that his popularity is dropping in any of the polls.
The NZ Rednecks NRA sponsored groups are loving Seymore’s rhetoric. The AG will support Seymore’s Bill as her forbears were farming on illegally acquired Maori Land in the Waikato. Racism is rife in the COC NACTACTNZF Coalition.
So, your predictions of his career imploding, are wildly off base, then. Based on your own analysis.
That $4 million or whatever the actual figure will be is really a side issue and a distraction almost from the serious damage inflicted on this nation, which is priceless [pun intended].
When fighting neo-liberal free-marketeers you won’t stand a chance in Hell of winning if you fight on their terms and according to their narratives.
might be the case. but I am more than happy to call seymour for his hypocrisy and his money wasting. if he wants to moan about others wasting money, he should walk what he talks. simple really. this waste of money on top of what he is costing councils, millions on his waste of time ministry and his enormously expensive charter schools.
In terms of this specific waste of time and money, I see no point to it at all. if we want a national debate about treaty of waitangi principles then someone other than seymour should lead it. the lens seymour, brash and their ilk view things through is fairly odious, their ideological point of departure is one I do not subscribe to.
A political economy that privileged and continues to privilege those with wealth. One that transferred a signifcant % of the nations wealth and influence to those who already had wealth and influence, predominantly wealthy white males and old/older white males. Brash or Hobsons choice or their acolytes complain about 'maori priviliege' having implemented a system that entrenched and transferred wealth and privilege in the hands of their 1%ers.
So as well as the hypocrisy of Seymours words and deeds about wasting money being incongruent, his politics and the past 40 years reality of neoliberalism causes me to think this proposed law needs to be aborted.
Fine analysis here; I particularly appreciated the links to the RIS and other material. The Bill presents a fine opportunity for the Labour Party to tell us all what it stands for in Treaty matters and race relations generally. However, …
You can almost guarantee she'll stuff it up. She'll likely come up with some bullshit that says treating the indigenous people differently is racist therefore discrimatory and that the bill if enacted will remove such discrimination. That's rubbish of course because the Human Rights Act protects affirmative action measures, but this will not stop Collins. Even Christopher Finlayson some years back felt free to abuse the s 7 provision when he said removing a work-test under the Social Security Act for one group of beneficiary discriminated against that group because they no longer had the advantage of being work-tested when other groups of beneficiary who remained work-tested continued to enjoy that advantage. Totally disingenuous, but right up Collins' alley.
This is all a political trap and we are being gamed – it is so obvious that the 6 month Treaty Bill process timed to end as referendum on Maori wards begins – is a setup. This is all about culture war noise that will divide and distract the electorate from the economic impacts of the governments strangulation of the state and hard-right race for investment and growth.
It's going to be hard not to get sucked into this cesspool, underbelly of NZ society as it gets stirred out of the darker recesses by Seymours big wooden spoon – but we will need to try.
I was going to say much the same thing but you got there first CS.
I might add that National and NZ First have SAID that they will not support the bill past the first reading – but how can you trust them to keep their word?
I wouldn't put it past them to change their minds based on some "eureka" clause they find in the Bill that allows them to break their promise and soothe their consciences at the same time.
It wouldn't be the first time.
I was thinking the same thing.
"We won't support the bill in its current form, we said that, but if that is changed…"
Old trick of shocking people with a dramatised version so they'll accept a watered down one.
Very perceptive Champaign Socialist – thank you. What our self-serving NAct MPs are doing is cynical and very sad – they are reckless wreckers, imho.
This.
2025 is going to be such a stupid and corrosive year for Maori relationships, and it's going to fall firstly on this Bill's hearings and aftermath, and then on the Local Government elections.
At least the 3 Waters consultation was trying to achieve something.
Excellent article lprent – I think though if Luxon wanted to kill it, as he has indicated, he should have killed it instantly and not allowed the 6 month Select Committee.
Luxon is effectively allowing it to get to second reading and allowing ACT and his supporters to drag this out over an extended period for maximum exposure and political opportunism to sell this as good for Kiwis and good for human rights.
Combined with the intentional timing of Maori ward referendums it will allow Hobsons Pledge and their affiliates in Atlas Network and other places to launch a concerted racism campaign and pool their resources to try to ram it through to referendum.
If they fail, they will still have affected and influenced culture – which is the real aim here. Trump didn't happen overnight either – it's all about dividing to conquer IMV.
"If they fail, they will still have affected and influenced culture – which is the real aim here."
We so desparately need to make civics a compulsory school subject.
Pretty much what I thought after reading a couple of comments yesterday parroting Seymour and Brash talking points.
The parrot trolls clearly had no idea about how our government operates. They keep waffling as if it there was a magical written constitution that put Parliament central. Hell the NZ Parliament was just a building name until 1986.
First the unveiling of the bill wording, the reading introduction to parliament and then into SC. A brief focus on public submissions, then recess and return after Waitangi Day and maybe a lot of paper for a Matariki bonfire.
https://archive.li/wMcFW#selection-4745.0-4817.198
What is interesting is the time frame. As I remember the usual parliamentary select committee sitting calendar, it effectively stops operating early in December and doesn't come back until well into February.
Also which select committee? Māori affairs or Justice (heavy with legal opinion) would be logical.
The Justice SC at least has one member from ACT, Todd Stephenson (who is on no less than five SCs).
https://www.parliament.nz/en/mps-and-electorates/members-of-parliament/?PrimaryFilter=Select+committee&SecondaryFilter=
Oh yeah, the in-house lawyer. First term MP. It really hsows the spacity of talent in Act being spread across so many select committees (and other roles as I remember). Yep eight spokesperson roles for Act.
Ummm.. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Todd_Stephenson
A local ex-pat (sounds like most of his worklife has been offshore). And an conscious illiterate…
Another person who doesn't consider conflicts of interest matter when he does it… Endemic to coalition MPs.
The appointment of Stevenson as the ACT Party spokesperson for Arts, Culture and Heritage is indicative of ACT party position on Arts, Culture and Heritage: they shouldn't exist. That Stevenson appears to have been the most qualified having been to a performance of Hamilton says a lot.
Expressions of Arts and Culture should be trivialised wherever possible. Seymour twerking on Dancing with the Stars, and he seems to have taken a liking to Raygun, the part time breaker who dominated the Olympics.
This all fits with their philosophy that the pragmatic should trump the creative every time. It can also be seen in the mission to remove or minimise any support for anything Maori. To them, Maori are not a distinct culture to be nurtured, rather something which to be absorbed into a featureless, homogenous, whiteish New Zealand.
For Seymour, artists, performers, poets, writers are all lefties with a louder, more respected voice and should not be able to access any support from wider society.
Customary rights, 5% of the coast – and no public domain over the foreshore and seabed of the other 95% and a C of C intent on re-writing the OIO rules enabling foreign ownership of coastal land? Seems unprincipled.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/treaty-principles-bill-three-principles-of-the-bill-agreed-on-by-cabinet/PX2OGQCEPVDARAFOW57G3A2Q5U/
Clearly not true. The government simply cannot pretend they act in the best interests of everyone.
Strictly speaking, it's impossible to act in the best interests of everyone. There are always tradeoffs. If something benefits Group A, but comes at a cost to Group B. Then clearly Group B are disadvantaged.
How is "Group B" disadvantaged by billions in tax relief to landLords (group A)?
Depends on who Group B is. You've defined Group A – how about you complete the job – and then conduct your own analysis….
Group B is hardworking young families who get left behind in renting and home buying practice under policy which encourages investor speculation and house price inflation.
Investor speculation reduces length and security of tenancies because they are flipping for profit all the time. They also maximise borrowing leverage and compete for houses which first homebuyers would ordinarily be contending for.
House price inflation is a core policy for the Nats, it's what keeps the middle and wealthy classes sweet and able to borrow against their house/s for nice cars, boats, baches and holidays.
Thanks Muttonbird for identifying B’s “Group B” and doing the analysis – makes sense to me.
Could you fill in the blanks (“something“, groups A & B) in your general scenario, to provide a real Kiwi example? Hopefully that’s not too much to ask.
You seem to be arguing from a false binary, false equivalence, and zero-sum view.
Try the Robin Hood approach, e.g., redistribute some money from the rich to the poor in which the rich hardly suffer any meaningful material loss (except for hurt to their fragile ego) and the poor greatly benefit. Taking everything from the rich and giving it to the poor would cause genuine disadvantage to the rich. So, Robin Hood acted in the best interest of all with emphasis on ‘best’, weighing the marginal loss of some/a few against the substantial improvement of many/others.
QED
Hooton in January.
The Treaty was about maintaining a balance of power and managing social and economic relations between settlers and tribes. Māori traded having the same duties as British subjects for gaining the same rights, but the Treaty didn’t say anything about French and American settlers or escaped convicts from Australia. It’s not about “all New Zealanders” at all.
Act’s strategy seems to be to offer fake Treaty principles to the public, generate a few hundred thousand supportive online select-committee submissions, hold six months of heated hearings, hope for civil unrest, produce polls showing a majority wishes the Treaty had been written by Mill, and then accuse National of siding with Māori radicals against “mainstream New Zealanders”.
https://archive.li/eOrVe#selection-3621.0-3631.0
Luxon and Seymour's one New Zealand:
https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/350411581/unnamed-road-gets-te-reo-title-despite-residents-objections
Like "Drumduan" is English? Sounds like it is Celtic to me.
The important part of this is that the new unnamed road is a public road, without funding by the developer. So he shouldn't get any say. If he'd helped to put money into the road… But that doesn't appear to have happened despite the obvious benefits to himself.
Similarly it is a new road to connect a residential development. So it hasn't been built for the benefit of the local farmers.
So it is up to the councillors who funded it as part of the infrastructure development of their area of authority to name it. Sounds like they were happy with it.
Yes it is Garlic – meaning "A new farm on a dark ridge" Drumduan School is situated to the east of Inverness on the Firth of Moray. My last few years in education were spent teaching in a similar school here. The best years of my teaching career. My great grand parents on my mothers side only spoke the Garlic – there are now estimated to be only around 50,000 fluent speakers of the language. A language severely under threat of extinction. My daughter is valiantly trying to gain some knowledge, but it is difficult and very guttural. I have a few words "Pushkin ag ithe bricfeasta" – Puss is eating his breakfast.
I can smell the Gaelic on your breath Macro ! Sorry i couldnt help it haha
Interesting , sorry off topic but Ive been interested lately in the positive impact that revival of Celtic language is having contrasted with the revival of te reo. odd?
Yes it is interesting and very much like the revival of te reo . There is now a BBC channel almost exclusively dedicated to the language.
Yes the word "Gaelic" is sounded just like the pungent vegetable in Northern Scotland and in the Hebrides – not so in Ireland – so much for using the voice editor.
Who would trust Judith Collins…???? She of the fudged Police Stats, Kauri Swamp Log debacle and the "invisible crushed cars??? As for Seymour.. he is exactly what Jacinda called him .imo.
They are poor citizens given frightening power by a weak "Leader".
Judith's old Press Secretary had a piece on Stuff yesterday that examines Seymour's folly from a traditional conservative Nat perspective. It's an interesting read, along with the first link, a Herald interview with Duncan Greive from 2021 re her relationship with Collins.
Wilson makes the point that Seymour may have been snookered by the Iwi and Hapu clause in the proposed bill,
Oh, and Janet Wilson doesn't have much time for Mr Luxon, his negotiating ability or perceived motivations.
If that's the case Seymour and co will make sure it doesn't have that effect. And even if it did, it still creates the disaster of relying on legislation for Treaty rights to be activated, a situation that must be avoided.