What does the Government have against Māori wards?
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1:27 pm, May 28th, 2024 - 49 comments
Categories: act, local body elections, local government, Maori Issues, Maori seats, national, nz first, Politics, same old national -
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The Government is moving with urgency to reverse Labour’s repeal of referenda for Māori wards on local councils.
There are a couple of barbs.
Every Council that created Māori wards without a referendum since the amending legislation was passed and who wishes to keep the wards will have to hold a binding referendum on whether the ward should continue.
And everyone has until 5 pm tomorrow to submit on the bill, which was introduced last Thursday.
The time frame is extraordinarily tight.
The right have pointed out that Labour introduced the previous bill on February 9, 2021 and required it to be reported back by February 15, 2021.
Nanaia Mahuta gave this justification for pace when the bill was introduced:
You will hear in this House tonight many people over there say that there is not enough time in select committee. But I can remember in 2002, under the Local Government Act, when the 5 percent poll provision was put into legislation, how challenging it was to get unanimity across the House to remove a discriminatory law. But here’s the thing: some years later, when we became Government last term, I got a letter from Local Government New Zealand, and, in fact, it was one of the major priorities that they brought to my attention. I had to trawl back through my records and find that letter.
On 22 March 2018, the then president of Local Government New Zealand, David Cull, wrote to the Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern, the Rt Hon Winston Peters, and the Hon James Shaw, as the respective leaders of the coalition confidence-and-supply Government, asking that the poll for Māori wards and constituencies be removed. I note this particular comment in his letter: “As noted, these poll provisions apply only to the establishment of Māori wards and constituencies. That they do not apply to other wards and constituencies marks the provision as discriminatory to Māori and inconsistent with the principle of equal treatment enshrined in the Treaty of Waitangi. Either the poll provisions should apply to all wards or they should apply to none. The discriminatory nature of these polls is not acceptable.” Tonight, we are rectifying that by ensuring that we can put through the House—yes, under urgency, but, again, it’s an idea whose time has come—the move to remove this discriminatory poll.
So to clarify Local Government can set up all sorts of representative structures and wards. But if they are a Māori ward then a petition by 5% of the population can require a referendum.
During that debate one Christopher Luxon said this:
[W]e know there are diverse and different communities all across New Zealand, and some may well choose to have Māori wards and constituencies and others may not. But that should be their decision. They should make their decision, not us sitting here”.
Fast forward to now and National intends to require those areas which have more recently set up Māori wards to hold binding referenda.
But the difference is that *all* councils that have set up the wards since Mahuta’s law change have to hold referenda. They do not have a choice. So much for allowing Councils to make their own decisions on matters.
The Waitangi Tribunal has conducted an urgent hearing and recommended that the amendment be halted “to allow proper consultation between the treaty partners with a view to agreeing how Māori can exercise the guarantee of tino rangatiratanga in article 2 to determine their own dedicated representation in local government.”
Fifty Mayors have written to the Government and urged that the legislation not be proceeded with. According to the letter:
Māori wards and constituencies should be treated like all other wards and that decisions should be made at the council level. Polls aren’t required on any other wards or constituencies, and requiring them will add increased costs to councils.
Of course the real intent is to have ugly divisive referenda during next year’s local body elections. Hobson’s Pledge must be salivating at the chance to use Atlas resources to run a divisive and ugly campaign during the election campaign. And no doubt those candidates who drink the Hobson Pledge kool aid will do well.
As said by Arena Williams in Parliament:
The Government comes to this House and they say that there is a choice for local councils, but the choice is that they can either scrap Māori wards that exist, or send them to a binding referendum that they know will be ugly, because these politics are ugly. Do you know why these politics are so ugly? It’s because we have parties on that side of the House who are drumming up an ugly, divisive debate that has no place in Aotearoa, which is imported from US politics, which is about kicking people when they’re down—in this case, kicking Māori. But it could be anything. It could be kicking renters when they’re down, by taking away 90-day no-cause elections. It could be kicking disability communities when they’re down, by taking away the very entitlements they rely upon. This Government is on a collision course to take it out on the people who cannot fight back, and it’s shameful.
It’s shameful that we are having a debate in this House today which has been couched in terms of re-democratising, of making things better for the communities, when, in fact, we have mayors around the country saying to the Government that this will drum up the kind of rhetoric in their communities that they do not want to oversee, that this is something which mayors in Aotearoa are saying will be hurtful and divisive and undermine social cohesion in Aotearoa. We should listen to them.
Unfortunately the Government is not listening to the voices of reason. It just wants to have a fight.
If you get a chance make a submission. But you only have until midnight tomorrow.
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- Fast Track, Wrong Track: Thousands stand up for democracy and natureTens of thousands of people showed up to have their voices heard and march against National’s unpopular Fast Track Approvals Bill in Auckland over the weekend. ...1 week ago
- Release: Oil and gas must stay in the groundReversing the ban on oil and gas exploration is a disaster for the climate and will take New Zealand’s climate action backwards. ...1 week ago
- Government to add oil and gas to climate fireThe Government deciding to lift the oil and gas ban in the middle of a climate crisis is a severe step backwards that will have serious consequences for our future. ...2 weeks ago
- Select Committee Hearings Prove Racist Motives Behind Govt Removal of Māori Wards.This week the Justice Select Committee has heard numerous submissions on the removal of Māori Wards. “I am feeling invigorated by the powerful oral submissions that I have heard throughout the week.” Said Local Government spokesperson, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi. “People from all facets of life: whānau Māori, whānau Pākehā, rangatahi, kaumātua, ...2 weeks ago
- March for Nature sends signal government cannot ignoreToday’s March for Nature sends a clear message that our country is deeply against the Fast Track Approvals Bill proceeding because the cost to the environment would be unacceptable. ...2 weeks ago
- Te Pāti Māori President responds to baseless allegationsThe recent attacks on Te Pāti Māori and its MP’s are part of a continuing narrative of attack on all matters Māori. If we could respond to baseless inuendo we would. If there is any evidence then show us so we have a reason to engage in a conversation. The ...2 weeks ago
- Coalition of climate deniers have heads buried in potholesThe Government’s move to pour billions into potholes whilst remaining inactive on climate change does nothing to solve our transport system's core problems. ...2 weeks ago
- Statement from mental health spokesperson Ingrid Leary“The Government needs to provide leadership for New Zealand’s mental health sector, which appears to have lost out in the Budget despite the promises Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey made on the campaign trail,” said Labour mental health spokesperson Ingrid Leary. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Christopher Luxon promised he wouldn’t take workers’ sick leaveToday’s announcement that would see some workers’ entitlement to sick leave reduce flies in the face of yet another promise National made during the election campaign. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Environment cuts show govt’s disregard for future generationsCutting a third of the staff at Ministry for the Environment will undermine years of work to clean up our fresh water and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and leave us unprepared for a changing climate. ...2 weeks ago
- Workers’ rights must be respected in review of Holidays ActThe Government must ensure workers’ rights are at the core of any changes made to the Holidays Act 2003. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Barbara Edmonds post-Budget speechMy world view is shaped by resilience through adversity. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: More than $1.5 billion slashed from housingFewer public homes, maintenance funding slashed and millions gone from rangatahi youth transitional housing and Māori housing. ...2 weeks ago
- School attendance increases
School attendance data released today shows an increase in the number of students regularly attending school to 61.7 per cent in term one. This compares to 59.5 per cent in term one last year and 53.6 per cent in term four. “It is encouraging to see more children getting to ...11 hours ago - Record investment in public transport servicesThe Government has announced a record 41 per cent increase in indicative funding for public transport services and operations, and confirmed the rollout of the National Ticketing Solution (NTS) that will enable contactless debit and credit card payments starting this year in Auckland, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“This Government is ...11 hours ago
- GDP data shows need to strengthen and grow the economyGDP figures for the March quarter reinforce the importance of restoring fiscal discipline to public spending and driving more economic growth, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. Data released today by Stats NZ shows GDP has risen 0.2 per cent for the quarter to March. “While today’s data is technically in ...12 hours ago
- Women continue to make up over 50 per cent on public sector boardsWomen’s representation on public sector boards and committees has reached 50 per cent or above for the fourth consecutive year, with women holding 53.9 per cent of public sector board roles, Acting Minister for Women Louise Upston says. “This is a fantastic achievement, but the work is not done. To ...15 hours ago
- Government supporting Māori business successThe Coalition Government is supporting Māori to boost development and the Māori economy through investment in projects that benefit the regions, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka say. “As the Regional Development Minister, I am focused on supporting Māori to succeed. The Provincial Growth Fund ...16 hours ago
- Better solutions for earthquake-prone buildingsBuilding and Construction Minister Chris Penk has announced that the review into better managing the risks of earthquake-prone buildings has commenced. “The terms of reference published today demonstrate the Government’s commitment to ensuring we get the balance right between public safety and costs to building owners,” Mr Penk says. “The Government ...17 hours ago
- Prime Minister wraps up visit to JapanPrime Minister Christopher Luxon has just finished a successful three-day visit to Japan, where he strengthened political relationships and boosted business links. Mr Luxon’s visit culminated in a bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio followed by a state dinner. “It was important for me to meet Prime Minister Kishida in person ...1 day ago
- Major business deals signed on PM’s Japan tripSignificant business deals have been closed during the visit of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to Japan this week, including in the areas of space, renewable energy and investment. “Commercial deals like this demonstrate that we don’t just export high-quality agricultural products to Japan, but also our world-class technology, expertise, and ...1 day ago
- Strategic Security speech, TokyoMinasan, konnichiwa, kia ora and good afternoon everyone. Thank you for the invitation to speak to you today and thank you to our friends at the Institute for International Socio-Economic Studies and NEC for making this event possible today. It gives me great pleasure to be here today, speaking with ...1 day ago
- National Infrastructure Pipeline worth over $120 billionThe National Infrastructure Pipeline, which provides a national view of current or planned infrastructure projects, from roads, to water infrastructure, to schools, and more, has climbed above $120 billion, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop says. “Our Government is investing a record amount in modern infrastructure that Kiwis can rely on as ...1 day ago
- Making it easier to build infrastructureThe Government is modernising the Public Works Act to make it easier to build infrastructure, Minister for Land Information Chris Penk announced today. An independent panel will undertake an eight-week review of the Act and advise on common sense changes to enable large scale public works to be built faster and ...2 days ago
- NZ enhances North Korea sanctions monitoringNew Zealand will enhance its defence contributions to monitoring violations of sanctions against North Korea, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. The enhancement will see the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) increase its contributions to North Korea sanctions monitoring, operating out of Japan. “This increase reflects the importance New Zealand ...2 days ago
- Speech to Safeguard National Health and Safety ConferenceGood afternoon everyone. It’s great to be with you all today before we wrap up Day One of the annual Safeguard National Health and Safety Conference. Thank you to the organisers and sponsors of this conference, for the chance to talk to you about the upcoming health and safety consultation. ...2 days ago
- Ōtaki to north of Levin alliance agreements signedTransport Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone for the Ōtaki to north of Levin Road of National Significance (RoNS), following the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) signing interim alliance agreements with two design and construction teams who will develop and ultimately build the new expressway.“The Government’s priority for transport ...2 days ago
- Improvements to stopping Digital Child ExploitationThe Department of Internal Affairs [Department] is making a significant upgrade to their Digital Child Exploitation Filtering System, which blocks access to websites known to host child sexual abuse material, says Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden. “The Department will incorporate the up-to-date lists of websites hosting child sexual ...3 days ago
- New vaccine research aims to combat prevalent bovine diseaseA vaccine to prevent an infectious disease that costs New Zealand cattle farmers more than $190 million each year could radically improve the health of our cows and boost on-farm productivity, Associate Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard says. The Ministry for Primary Industries is backing a project that aims to develop ...3 days ago
- Making it easier to build granny flatsThe Government has today announced that it is making it easier for people to build granny flats, Acting Prime Minister Winston Peters and RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop say. “Making it easier to build granny flats will make it more affordable for families to live the way that suits them ...3 days ago
- High Court Judge appointedAttorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Auckland King’s Counsel Gregory Peter Blanchard as a High Court Judge. Justice Blanchard attended the University of Auckland from 1991 to 1995, graduating with an LLB (Honours) and Bachelor of Arts (English). He was a solicitor with the firm that is now Dentons ...6 days ago
- Health workforce numbers riseHealth Minister Dr Shane Reti says new data released today shows encouraging growth in the health workforce, with a continued increase in the numbers of doctors, nurses and midwives joining Health New Zealand. “Frontline healthcare workers are the beating heart of the healthcare system. Increasing and retaining our health workforce ...6 days ago
- Government to overhaul firearms lawsAssociate Justice Minister Nicole McKee has today announced a comprehensive programme to reform New Zealand's outdated and complicated firearms laws. “The Arms Act has been in place for over 40 years. It has been amended several times – in a piecemeal, and sometimes rushed way. This has resulted in outdated ...6 days ago
- Government delivers landmark specialist schools investmentThe coalition Government is delivering record levels of targeted investment in specialist schools so children with additional needs can thrive. As part of Budget 24, $89 million has been ringfenced to redevelop specialist facilities and increase satellite classrooms for students with high needs. This includes: $63 million in depreciation funding ...7 days ago
- Major health and safety consultation beginsA substantial consultation on work health and safety will begin today with a roadshow across the regions over the coming months, says Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden. This the first step to deliver on the commitment to reforming health and safety law and regulations, set out in ...7 days ago
- Growing the potential of New Zealand’s forestry sector in partnershipForestry Minister Todd McClay, today announced the start of the Government’s plan to restore certainty and confidence in the forestry and wood processing sector. “This government will drive investment to unlock the industry’s economic potential for growth,” Mr McClay says. “Forestry’s success is critical to rebuilding New Zealand’s economy, boosting ...7 days ago
- Government cancels forestry ETS annual service charges for 2023-24Annual service charges in the forestry Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) will be cancelled for 2023/24, Forestry Minister Todd McClay says. “The sector has told me the costs imposed on forestry owners by the previous government were excessive and unreasonable and I agree,” Mr McClay says. “They have said that there ...7 days ago
- Speech to the LGNZ Infrastructure SymposiumIntroduction Thank you for having me here today and welcome to Wellington, the home of the Hurricanes, the next Super Rugby champions. Infrastructure – the challenge This government has inherited a series of big challenges in infrastructure. I don’t need to tell an audience as smart as this one that ...7 days ago
- Government boosts Agriculture and food trade with ChinaTrade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay and Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard welcomed outcomes to boost agricultural and food trade between New Zealand and China. A number of documents were signed today at Government House that will improve the business environment between New Zealand and China, and help reduce barriers, including on infant formula ...1 week ago
- NZ and China launch Services Trade NegotiationsTrade Minister Todd McClay, and China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao, today announced the official launch of Negotiations on Services Trade between the two countries. “The Government is focused on opening doors for services exporters to grow the New Zealand’s economy,” Mr McClay says. As part of the 2022 New Zealand-China Free Trade Agreement Upgrade ...1 week ago
- Prime Minister Luxon meets with Premier LiPrime Minister Christopher Luxon met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang at Government House in Wellington today. “I was pleased to welcome Premier Li to Wellington for his first official visit, which marks 10 years since New Zealand and China established a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” Mr Luxon says. “The Premier and ...1 week ago
- Government and business tackling gender pay gapThe coalition Government is taking action to reduce the gender pay gap in New Zealand through the development of a voluntary calculation tool. “Gender pay gaps have impacted women for decades, which is why we need to continue to drive change in New Zealand,” Acting Minister for Women Louise Upston ...1 week ago
- Funding Boost for Rural Support TrustsThe coalition Government is boosting funding for Rural Support Trusts to provide more help to farmers and growers under pressure, Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson announced today. “A strong and thriving agricultural sector is crucial to the New Zealand economy and one of the ways to support it is to ...1 week ago
- Latest data shows size of public service decreasingSpending on contractors and consultants continues to fall and the size of the Public Service workforce has started to decrease after years of growth, according to the latest data released today by the Public Service Commission. Workforce data for the quarter from 31 December 23 to 31 March 24 shows ...1 week ago
- Speech to the Law AssociationThank you to the Law Association for inviting me to speak this morning. As a former president under its previous name — the Auckland District Law Society — I take particular satisfaction in seeing this organisation, and its members, in such good heart. As Attorney-General, I am grateful for these ...1 week ago
- 25 years on, NZ reaffirms enduring friendship with Timor LesteNew Zealand is committed to working closely with Timor-Leste to support its prosperity and resilience, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “This year is the 25th anniversary of New Zealand sending peacekeepers to Timor-Leste, who contributed to the country’s stabilisation and ultimately its independence,” Mr Peters says. “A quarter ...1 week ago
- Inquiry requested into rural bankingPromoting robust competition in the banking sector is vital to rebuilding the economy, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. “New Zealanders deserve a banking sector that is as competitive as possible. Banking services play an important role in our communities and in the economy. Kiwis rely on access to lending when ...1 week ago
- Ministry for Regulation targets red tape to keep farmers and growers competitiveRegulation Minister David Seymour, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds, and Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard have today announced a regulatory sector review on the approval process for new agricultural and horticultural products. “Red tape stops farmers and growers from getting access to products that have been approved by other OECD countries. ...1 week ago
- Government to reverse blanket speed limit reductionsThe Coalition Government will reverse Labour’s blanket speed limit reductions by 1 July 2025 through a new Land Transport Rule released for public consultation today, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. The draft speed limit rule will deliver on the National-ACT coalition commitment to reverse the previous government’s blanket speed limit ...1 week ago
- Chair appointments for NZSO, CNZ and NZ On AirMinister Paul Goldsmith is making major leadership changes within both his Arts and Media portfolios. “I am delighted to announce Carmel Walsh will be officially stepping into the role of Chair of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, having been acting Chair since April,” Arts Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “Carmel is ...1 week ago
- Government focus on long-term food, fibre growthFood and fibre export revenue is tipped to reach $54.6 billion this year and hit a record $66.6b in 2028 as the Government focuses on getting better access to markets and cutting red tape, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay and Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones say. “This achievement is testament ...1 week ago
- Govt consulting on cutting red tape for exportersA new export exemption proposal for food businesses demonstrates the coalition Government’s commitment to reducing regulatory barriers for industry and increasing the value of New Zealand exports, which gets safe New Zealand food to more markets, says Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard. “The coalition Government has listened to the concerns ...1 week ago
- New Zealand and Philippines elevating relationshipNew Zealand and Philippines are continuing to elevate our relationship, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “The leaders of New Zealand and Philippines agreed in April 2024 to lift our relationship to a Comprehensive Partnership by 2026,” Mr Peters says. “Our visit to Manila this week has been an excellent ...1 week ago
- A groundbreaking discovery: how we found remnants of Earth’s primordial crust near Perth
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Chris Kirkland, Professor of Geochronology, Curtin University Lukas Gojda / Shutterstock Our planet was born around 4.5 billion years ago. To understand this mind-bendingly long history, we need to study rocks and the minerals they are made of. The oldest rocks ...24 mins ago - ‘We cannot have peace without independence,’ says Kanak govt officialBy Lydia Lewis, RNZ Pacific journalist As New Caledonia passes the one-month mark since violent and deadly clashes erupted on last month, there has been no clear path put forward by Paris as far as the Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front (FLNKS) is concerned. Yesterday, eight people — including ...1 hour ago
- Grattan on Friday: Peter Dutton is seated aloft the nuclear tiger, hoping not to get eatenSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra No one doubts Peter Dutton has a huge task to sell his radical nuclear plan, with many experts throwing buckets of cold water over it. But on Thursday the opposition leader received some welcome backing. ...3 hours ago
- Too much politics clouding cancer drugs process, decision – Pharmac Minister
There was a danger cancer patients were being overlooked in the political points scoring that has arisen, David Seymour says. ...3 hours ago - Victoria’s $1.2 billion school tutoring program has not ‘significantly improved’ learning. How...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jordana Hunter, School Education Program Director, Grattan Institute The Victorian Auditor-General has just released an audit of Victoria’s A$1.2 billion tutoring program designed to help struggling students post-COVID. The report found the program “did not significantly improve students’ learning compared to ...4 hours ago
- It’s now possible to invest in bitcoin on Australia’s largest stock exchange. Is the currency go...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Marta Khomyn, Lecturer, University of Adelaide Jonathan Borba/Pexels The Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) has just seen the listing of its first bitcoin spot exchange-traded fund – “ETF” for short. Issued by investment management firm VanEck, the new investment product is ...5 hours ago
- New play American Signs looks at the nefarious world of consultancies – but leaves Australia off t...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alana Lentin, Professor in Cultural and Social Analysis, Western Sydney University Prudence Upton/Sydney Theatre Company Anchuli Felicia King’s new one-performer piece, American Signs, written for the talented Catherine Văn-Davies, thrusts us into the world of a campus hire at “The Firm”, ...5 hours ago
- Coalition shrugs off attrition concerns over 500 police promiseThe coalition is confident it can deliver on its promise by the end of next year - despite questions over attrition. ...5 hours ago
- Does Israel really want to open a two-front war by attacking Hezbollah in Lebanon?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ian Parmeter, Research Scholar, Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies, Australian National University Among the many sayings attributed to Winston Churchill is, “Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” This sentiment seems appropriate as Israel potentially appears ...6 hours ago
- Student Nurses Angered By Recruitment Restrictions
New Zealand Nurses Organisation Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa (NZNO) have voiced concerns about Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora restricting the employment of graduate nurses into their workforce due to budget constraints. ...6 hours ago - NZCTU Slams Govt Cutting Disabled Workers Wages As DisgracefulThe NZCTU is slamming a decision by the Government in Budget 2024 to cut a programme which ensured that disabled workers are paid the minimum wage. ...6 hours ago
- No costing, no clear timelines, no easy legal path: deep scepticism over Dutton’s nuclear plan is ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ian Lowe, Emeritus Professor, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University Martin Lisner/Shutterstock It is very difficult to take Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s nuclear announcement seriously. His proposal for seven nuclear power stations is, at present, legally impossible, technically improbable, economically ...6 hours ago
- What is phonics and why is it used to teach reading?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rauno Parrila, Director and Professor, Australian Centre for the Advancement of Literacy, Australian Catholic University Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels, CC BY Victoria has just announced all government schools will be required to use phonics to teach reading from next year. This brings it ...6 hours ago
- NZTA put on notice over cost of cones, traffic managementThe agency will soon need to count up what it spends on an "infestation" of road cones and temporary traffic management. ...7 hours ago
- Amid scorching heat, 900 people died this week in Saudi Arabia. Climate change has made the Hajj pil...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Milad Haghani, Senior Lecturer of Urban Mobility, Public Safety & Disaster Risk, UNSW Sydney Each year, millions of Muslims from across the world embark on the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. The mass migration is unparalleled in scale, and pilgrims ...7 hours ago
- EDS Applauds Select Committee Report Confirming Hauraki Gulf Marine ProtectionThe Committee has recommended that the Bill be passed with minor amendments. The bill will create 12 new high protection areas, 5 new seafloor protection areas and 2 extensions to existing marine reserves. ...7 hours ago
- Transport Minister celebrates 'record investment' in public transportSimeon Brown also announced the roll-out of contactless debit and credit card payments for use on public transport, starting this year. ...8 hours ago
- Marine Protection Bill Encouraging, But More Work Required“The Green Party campaigned on protecting 30 percent of our oceans. We will continue to fight for our marine environment so it can be enjoyed across future generations,” says Marama Davidson. ...8 hours ago
- Responses To Our Recommendations About Improving Crown Entity MonitoringWe asked public organisations for an update on their response to the recommendations in our 2022 report Improving value through better Crown entity monitoring. ...9 hours ago
- Robert Irwin wanted to sue One Nation for using his likeness. We don’t really have laws for thatSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brendan Clift, Lecturer in Law, The University of Melbourne Pauline Hanson’s Please Explain/YouTube Robert Irwin, son of Steve “Crocodile Hunter” Irwin, recently threatened to sue a video production company if they didn’t take down an episode in One Nation’s “Please Explain” ...9 hours ago
- Politics with Michelle Grattan: Peter Malinauskas on political donations, kids on social media, and ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra After beating a first-term South Australian Liberal government in 2022, Labor premier Peter Malinauskas has gone on to be a reform advocate on issues including social media and politcal donations. His government is looking ...9 hours ago
- Kiwis Keep Getting Poorer Because Government Won’t Take ActionThe economy keeps limping along, and people keep getting poorer. GDP per capita has fallen yet again, and it's now been in freefall for well over a year. ...9 hours ago
- Restoring Citizenship Removed By Citizenship (Western Samoa) Act 1982 Bill Hearings Begin June 24Public submissions on the Restoring Citizenship Removed By Citizenship (Western Samoa) Act Bill closed on 31 May 2024. ...9 hours ago
- A brief history of New Zealanders featuring on Below Deck
Alex Casey and Tara Ward look back at the best and brightest New Zealanders to appear in the greatest reality franchise of all time. It’s the hugely addictive reality show with a little bit of everything. “It’s got the high octane Hell’s Kitchen action in the chef’s galley, the nouveau ...10 hours ago - The Albanese government has ordered an inquiry into native title – why is it needed?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kate Galloway, Professor of Law and Social Justice, Australian Catholic University Commonwealth Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus has announced that the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) would review the Native Title Act to “rectify any inefficacy, inequality or unfairness”. The purpose of the ...10 hours ago
- Nick Rockel: RIMPAC 2024 training – NZ’s sabre dance with Israel ͏COMMENTARY: By Nick Rockel in Tāmaki Makaurau This morning I did something I seldom do, I looked at the Twitter newsfeed. Normally I take the approach of something that I’m not sure is an American urban legend, or genuinely something kids do over there. The infamous bag of dog poo ...10 hours ago
- PSNA Issues Notice To The Government For Complicity In Israel’s Genocidal War In GazaThe Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA) has issued the government a "letter of demand" for complicity with Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza. ...11 hours ago
- How not to be an arsehole when you don’t like someone’s parkingYou might say the best way not to be an arsehole is to avoid leaving any notes on cars, but if you must, here’s the etiquette. A fun fact that never fails to make me laugh is that something like 90% of drivers believe they’re in the top 5% of ...11 hours ago
- Walking can prevent low back pain, a new study showsSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tash Pocovi, Postdoctoral research fellow, Department of Health Sciences, Macquarie University PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock Do you suffer from low back pain that recurs regularly? If you do, you’re not alone. Roughly 70% of people who recover from an episode of ...11 hours ago
- Govt Cuts Teams Digitising Public Services & Safeguarding PrivacyCuts come as technology companies call for Govt to provide leadership ...11 hours ago
- Public sector cuts: DIA cuts will impact security, privacy of New Zealanders, union saysThe loss of staff who look after sensitive information is "dangerous", the Public Service Association says. ...11 hours ago
- New Human Rights Data Show Ongoing Harm To MāoriCriminal justice advocacy group JustSpeak and human rights movement Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand are raising alarm bells about the social justice issues highlighted in this year’s data. ...11 hours ago
- No breakthrough in hostage Kiwi pilot talks held by West Papuan rebelsBy Caleb Fotheringham, RNZ Pacific journalist All parties, including West Papuan pro-independence fighters who took Phillip Mehrtens hostage, want the New Zealand pilot released but freeing him is “complicated”. In February 2023, Mehrtens, a husband and father from Christchurch, was working for Indonesian airline, Susi Air, when he landed his ...11 hours ago
- A complete history of New Zealand’s one-term governmentsThe current coalition not lasting beyond this parliamentary term is an idea that’s been seized on by its opponents. History suggests it’s unlikely – but not impossible. Gabi Lardies explains. ‘We have a very good chance of making this a one-term government,” said Labour leader Chris Hipkins at his party’s ...12 hours ago
- Māori development, tourism, agribusiness get funding boostMāori businesses in the regions are being bolstered with an almost $20m injection from the Provincial Growth Fund. ...12 hours ago
- Ambulance Officers Query NZ First’s Broken Promise Of Better Funding For St JohnFIRST Union members at St John have voted to take further strike action that commences today, with the aim of seeking public support for a fully functioning ambulance service before industrial action intensifies to the point of withdrawing labour. ...12 hours ago
- Kanaky New Caledonia unrest: Pro-independence militant leaders arrestedBy Patrick Decloitre, RNZ Pacific correspondent French Pacific desk New Caledonia’s security forces have arrested eight people believed to be involved in the organisation of pro-independence-related riots that broke out in the French Pacific territory last month. The eight include leaders of the so-called Field Action Coordinating Cell (CCAT), a ...12 hours ago
- Celebrating World Refugee DayEstablished by the United Nations in 2001, the theme for this year’s World Refugee Day is “a world where refugees are welcomed”. ...13 hours ago
- Chickens Coming Home To Roost For LGNZChristchurch City Council has become the latest council to vote to withdraw from Local Government New Zealand. ...13 hours ago
- Air Traffic Controller Trainees Now Considered Employees After Labour Inspectorate InterventionNew Zealand air traffic controller trainees who previously spent up to 18 months training without being treated or paid as employees will now be considered employees ...13 hours ago
- No-cause evictions have the potential to hurt renters – with little gain for good landlordsSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Myra Williamson, Senior Lecturer in Law, Auckland University of Technology corners74/Getty Images Housing security for New Zealand’s 1.7 million renters could be threatened if the Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill becomes law. Among some potentially positive changes in the amendment – ...13 hours ago
- What these post-quake treasures tell us about Ōtautahi and its pastClose to a million artefacts found in post-quake Christchurch are now available to be viewed by the public. Alex Casey speaks to the founder of Museum of Archeology Ōtautahi. Charles Henry Cox would’ve got away with it, if it hadn’t been for those damn meddling archeologists. The talented grifter proudly ...13 hours ago
- Anapela Polataivao on stepping up to the workThe director and actor shares what it means to commit to the work. Anapela Polataivao ONZM is an award-winning director and actor. She is a recipient of the Arts Foundation New Generation Award (2014), the Contemporary Pacific Art Award (2019), and Best Director at the Auckland Theatre Awards (2016). Her ...13 hours ago
- Graduate nurses not guaranteed jobs under Health NZ budget cap – union"What they're not saying is there is a budget in place and that they cannot go past that budget," the nurses' organisation says. ...14 hours ago
- Tony Blair sold the UK on a vision for the future. Can Keir Starmer do the same to return Labour to ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Liam Byrne, Honorary Fellow, School of Historical and Philosophical Studies, The University of Melbourne When British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the UK general election outside 10 Downing Street in the pouring rain last month, the ignominy of the moment was compounded ...14 hours ago
- Help Me Hera: I need my partner to eat some goddamn vegesI’m a vegan who adores vegetables and he’s a big meat-eater totally suspicious of them. Help me! Want Hera’s help? Email your problem to helpme@thespinoff.co.nz Kia ora Hera, I need my partner to eat some vegetables and I don’t know how. I have a lovely partner: he’s caring, supportive and meets me where ...15 hours ago
- Big cars might make you feel safer. But here’s how vehicle size impacts others in a crashSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Milad Haghani, Senior Lecturer of Urban Mobility, Public Safety & Disaster Risk, UNSW Sydney JC_STOCKER/Shutterstock We’re seeing more big cars on our roads, especially large wagon-style vehicles with a four- or all-wheel drive, known as sport utility vehicles or SUVs. For ...15 hours ago
- ‘I felt too whakamā to go to the doctor’ – how feelings of shame stop people seeking healthca...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Chrissy Severinsen, Associate Professor in Public Health, Massey University Getty Images Health services struggle to provide affordable and nondiscriminatory healthcare to Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow whānau, according to the latest NZ Health Survey. Nearly a quarter of Māori reported unmet ...15 hours ago
- Hybrid cars are having a moment – even though they’re dirtier than we think. What’s behind th...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hussein Dia, Professor of Future Urban Mobility, Swinburne University of Technology algre/Shutterstock Just last year, data suggested plug-in hybrid cars were on the way out in Australia. But they’re back. New data shows plug-in hybrids and conventional hybrids combined have overtaken ...15 hours ago
- Recovering lost wages is nearly impossible for Australia’s underpaid migrant workers. Here’s how...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Laurie Berg, Associate Professor, University of Technology Sydney zhu difeng/Shutterstock The widespread underpayment of migrant workers in Australia is now well-documented. The vast majority never recover the wages they are owed. In 2009, the federal “small claims” court process was established ...15 hours ago
- Defunct satellites burning up in the atmosphere could damage the ozone layer. Here’s howSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Robyn Schofield, Associate Professor and Associate Dean (Environment and Sustainability), The University of Melbourne ESA Communications companies such as Starlink plan to launch tens of thousands of satellites into orbit around Earth over the next decade or so. The growing swarm ...15 hours ago
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"…the Government is not listening to the voices of reason. It just wants to have a fight."
Nailed it micky, distract the punters and blow that dog whistle hard.
It's in the coalition agreement, and NZ First campaigned on it as a policy plank. So can hardly be a surprise to anyone.
https://assets.nationbuilder.com/nationalparty/pages/18466/attachments/original/1700778597/NZFirst_Agreement_2.pdf?1700778597
If councils believe that this is widely supported by their residents – then they won't have an issue in holding a referendum at the next election.
Except Belladonna it is an expense in straightened times, for politics.
There is more than one issue. I have just put in a submission on the Bill. My arguments, five in all, are these.
My principle argument is that this is discriminatory against Maori and is therefore wrong.
My second argument is that this is an unnecessary cost for ratepayers.
My third argument is that it will promote ill-feeling within the community based on race issues.
My fourth argument is that it denies local authorities the right to decide whether they should have Māori wards, or for that matter any other ward basis such as rurality. We elect our local body representatives and in the way of democracy we afford them the right and responsibility to make decisions on our behalf.
My fifth and last argument is the ethical burden of living in a society that still accepts discrimination.
At least numbers 2,3.4 will apply to local authorities I would hope.
On your arguments:
1. The reverse is true. Māori get exactly the same access to representation as non-Māori without Māori wards.
2. So are Māori wards and elections within those wards, including, managing the rolls.
3. The reverse is true. Māori wards promote racial division, because they are (rightly) seen as providing extra representation on the basis of race.
4. It is not, and should not be, up to local authorities to determine. This is a matter that should be determined by the people.
5. Dedicated Māori seats are discriminatory. They are also patronising. Māori are perfectly capable of being elected in general wards, as they have shown in both local and national politics.
On your arguments:
2. They are an additional ward, so my point stands, and you have confirmed it.
3. Wrong. Only Māori can vote in Māori wards, so representation is reserved for people on the basis of race.
4. Electoral systems are changed based on referenda. Or at least they should be. Going to the 'stress and expense' is democracy.
5. That depends how you interpret Tino Rangatiratanga. I argue that cannot seriously be a justification for anything more than equality of suffrage.
Can you stop with the lies? reserved, what a pile of dog crap. Māori wards, were designed to encourage a section of the population who do not vote, to vote.
People on the Māori roll vote for Māori wards. The roll is not based on race. Also the wards are formed on the Māori roll. So nothing extra, nothing reserved, just democratic enhancing.
Māori wards, were designed to encourage a section of the population who do not vote, to vote.
And they failed. Māori wards did not inspire voters: What next to boost democracy? | RNZ News
People on the Māori roll vote for Māori wards. The roll is not based on race.
Can you re-read that please, and try to argue it isn't nonsense.
One election, and your calling doomed!!
If people are not engaged, one election is not going to fix a fucking thing.
My guess, Māori vote will now collapse totally. Can't trust the racist fucks changing the rules every two minutes to suit them and their racist mates.
You get the Māori roll is not based on race right?
Yes, it absolutely is. You cannot be on the Maori roll if you aren't Maori.
https://www.elections.nz/democracy-in-nz/what-is-an-electoral-roll/what-is-the-maori-electoral-option/
Sorry it's not a Blutschutzgesetz law.
Here
https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1993/0087/latest/DLM308829.html
Quote from the legislation
So you have to be Maori to exercise this option. Other government legislation uses ancestry to define what 'Maori' is.
https://www.msd.govt.nz/about-msd-and-our-work/publications-resources/journals-and-magazines/social-policy-journal/spj23/23problem-of-defining-an-ethnic-group-for-public-policy-who-is-maori-and-why-does-it-matter-p86-108.html
Maori, of course, do not have to be on the Maori roll – and the vast majority, who would be eligible, in fact choose to be on the general roll.
Not a link to an act of law, but a guide line written by MSD.
Sad, just sad. As MSD is one of the worst abusers of the poor and downtrodden in this country. Lets not forget they have overseen some pretty horrific shitfuckery, particularly towards disabled, with some tragic out comes.
What part of quote from the legislation did you miss.
Perhaps you can link to the legislation which says that *anyone* (regardless of whether or not they have Maori ancestry) can opt to be on the Maori roll.
I'll wait…..
But not hold my breath, because I am 100% confident that you won't be able to do so.
But, hey, it doesn't matter – if you think a law is 'unjust' you feel there is no obligation for anyone to follow it.
Oh look were back to the whole make up a point that was never said, to knock it down type of discussion, how very SIS of you. Check in the mail?
I'm not the one pushing a Blutschutzgesetz ideology you are.
I said, it's not based on race.
Ball back in your court.
Got anything, except another round of you making shit up?
I've provided the quote from the legislation (note, from the link you yourself gave), which says it is.
Still waiting for you to provide a link (any link) to a credible source which says that anyone (whether or not they have Maori ancestry) can opt for the Maori roll.
Ball in your court. But until the linked evidence is provided, I'm going to regard this as just another of your fact-free rants.
Come on sunshine read the act again, where does it say race?
It says "A Māori" that is not a race.
My statement stands, the Māori roll is not based on race.
Fact free rant – better than far right codswallop.
Arguments that appeal to me, #3 in particular – ill-feeling nourishes our CoC govt
"But the difference is that all councils that have set up the wards since Mahuta’s law change have to hold referenda. They do not have a choice.
And neither should they. This is a constitutional matter, and should be determined by seperate referendum, a right Mahuta removed.
"So much for allowing Councils to make their own decisions on matters."
Is there a wider context to Luxon's quote that informs your implication that he was referring to Councils when he used the phrase "diverse and different communities all across New Zealand,"? In the absence of context, it seems more likely he was referring to the communities the council's serve, not the councils themselves.
That is exactly what the present Govt has against Maori Wards. The Wards were part of the 'co-governance' structure that the present Coalition believe they were elected to remove.
Not being brave enough to do it by legislative fiat they are setting it up so that their grass roots constituency can do it – democraticaly – at Council level.
So were broke, local government has no money. And central government in their wisdom adds an extra expense to the bottom line. Via referendum. Will the wankers forcing this on our broke local governments be paying for this?
At the end of the day we had a program which engages Māori with local politics. Actively promoting democracy. Sorry the anti-democratic wankers Māori did not get any more rights or voting power – but a reason to actually vote for a change.
I see the usual suspects on this site are pushing the anti-democratic lies of the government. Such a coalition of shitfuckery.
They want to destroy society so they can create a greed focused utopia for the morally bankrupt. This is just one more morally bankrupt idea they keep pushing.
At the end of the day we had a program which engages Māori with local politics.
Māori are engaged already with local politics. There is no impediment for Māori to be further engaged, if they so wish.
What a sick little lie.
They were not engaged, and that was the problem. A solution was found, and it was democratic. But there is some who find democratic enhancement a problem.
No, Adam, Mari wards failed, despite the excuses.
But despite widespread publicity for the Māori wards, there's no evidence of increased voting.
Māori wards did not inspire voters: What next to boost democracy? | RNZ News
Maori wards have not failed. Their turnout is low because of clear reasons. But their representatives are overwhelmingly good and do their best to ensure that Te Ao Maori is given prominance.
I was responding directly to Adam's comment that They were not engaged, and that was the problem. The problem wasn't solved by Māori wards.
As to your second comment, Māori representation at local government has been on the rise for decades. In 2004 just 4.2% of local government officials were Māori. By 2019, that was 13.5%. (Disproving the big lie | Kiwiblog)
One election, and the numbers were up in my area. Not huge, but when people are disengaged and distrustful of lying sacks of shit who spin everything to fit their racist agenda. One needs to wait to see improvement. Other wises the spinning racist pieces of shit win again.
yup. David Spendmore is going to cost rate payers $100,000 a time for a referendum, council by council. Millions of dollars of rate payers money wasted as a time when we have a cost of rates crisis. the guy talks about wasted money but then wastes more of it than anyone. david spendmore, and more, and more……….
What is the issue with having a referendum?
If idea of maori wards is a good thing, and there is sufficient public support, voters will be in support of the maori wards.
Hmm, I don’t know, but it could be low voter turnout at Local Elections and that the majority vote could already be heavily biased to one outcome based on demographics alone.
Why only have referenda for Maori wards and no other arrangements?
I’m unaware of what the “other arrangements” are. But a referendum would be a good idea, if the council wanted to add a ward for a certain group.
Well, as mickysavage said above why not have referenda for other representation issues.
Down here Otago Regional Council are currently having a representation review that will most likely result in Dunedin loosing one of it's 6 councillors and Dunstan (Central Otago) gain one to go with our current three.
If this went to a referendum it's pretty obvious how it would come out. Thankfully the decision will be made by our elected representatives with the advice of Council staff and public submissions.
I don't see why Māori wards should be any different where there is a Māori community sufficient to warrant one.
Because they are two completely different issues. A representative review is simply about the balance of population. Māori wards are about providing representation on the basis of race alone. Apart from that, Maori seats failed to increase participation, at a time when Maori representation around the table of local government has grown significantly.
CDI? OR!
A representation of people based on area and its population is unrelated to representation of people by electoral roll (and or party list). Does the EC know?
And Maori are not a race, but an indigenous ethnic people (part of the Polynesian group). Being one is based on ancestry and associated with an iwi (or multiple) of recent times) ancestry tradition.
You seem to have a problem with greater Maori representation on councils, despite low turnout in wards.
Is this related to an opposition to growing Maori electorate MP numbers, despite low voter turnout in Maori electorates?
A representation of people based on area and its population is unrelated to representation of people by electoral roll (and or party list).
That's not what I said.
You seem to have a problem with greater Maori representation on councils, despite low turnout in wards.
I have no problem at all with greater Māori representation on councils. We have achieved that already without Māori wards. https://www.kiwiblog.co.nz/2021/02/disproving_the_big_lie.html
At the end of the day the Māori wards are about building trust, engagement, and leadership. Not just representation. It does appear you do have a problem with Māori setting an agenda which is about enhancing democracy.
My point was that having wards or not having wards has not stopped a decline in participation in council elections, so why the focus on participation rates in Maori wards?
This is painful. You are being deliberately obtuse as to the benefit of voter engagement of an indigenous population that is overrepresented in negative public health and civil rights data. Shame on you.
Our shameful CoC govt is tapping into racist sentiments in Kiwi society to achieve its regressive goals – they are bent on a path that favours the beneficiaries of polarisation.
When these binding referendums on Māori wards are held, with abolition being inevitable (New Zealand is "racist as f**k"), some local councils will find ways to ensure continued representation of Māori interests. My local council is moderately progressive in this regard.
https://www.pncc.govt.nz/Participate-Palmy/Elections/Maori-wards
And, of course, Māori wards will be back in due course. New Zealand was founded on a partnership between Māori and the Crown. Neither group/entity is going away.
https://www.mfat.govt.nz/assets/Trade-agreements/DEPA/DEPA-Treaty-of-Waitangi-New-Zealand-August-2019.pdf
This matter should be in the hands of the Electoral Commission, not thrown around by each new government. National should listen to those mayors who wrote to them.
We have such weak local and regional government here that undermining local government choice yet again just discourages anyone from participating in it.
It is pathetic that on the one hand this government say they are 'empowering' councils to come to their own arrangements about water, while gutting their RLTP choices, and constraining how Councils choose to enable democracy.
SPC and Traveller, perhaps missing the point in discussing Maori elector turnout. For many, they may have thought the people standing would be a guaranteed shoe-in. The point is having a councillor focused on Maori issues with a voice at the council table.
Maori are not a 'race'. They can't be – because there is no such thing as 'race' anyway. It has no biological basis and is a relatively recent social invention (maybe 400 years) that created racial hierarchies in order to justify European colonial activities such as slavery, land theft and the ethnic cleansing or genocide of indigenous people.
Interestingly, there is a much longer prior history of what we would now call 'white' people being enslaved by the Greeks and Romans onwards. This got conveniently forgotten, as it jarred with the theory that slavery was justified by the racial inferiority of black people. *(Painter, 2010)
So Maori have their own electoral wards because of their indigeneity, not 'race'. The desire to get rid of Maori wards seems to have two main motivations:
* Painter, Nell Irwin. The History of White People. New York: W.W. Norton, 2010
Rome killed or enslaved everyone in Dacia and then renamed the place Romania.
They killed a third and enslaved a third in Gaul, such was the way of "empire". There was taxation, or tribute, from areas ruled over and the highest form of tax was slavery.
All this talk about being indigenous. Everyone's ancestors are indigenous to somewhere. NZ has no indigenous people. We can all track our own or our ancestors arrival from somewhere else, by boat or by aircraft. Therefore we are all either immigrants or descended fro immigrants Five hundred odd years in a country doesn't make you indigenous to that country Aboriginals in Australia are indigenous. Only flora, fauna and some birds are indigenous to this country.
I agree with the comments made by David, Traveller and Belladonna. It seems trying to have a reasoned discussion with the other commentators is on a hiding to nothing.. In this country there is nothing legally holding any one back from participating in either local body or general elections. It is a personal choice , so please don't blame the system, colonialism or any other fashionable excuse, for low voter turnout. This is not apartheid South Africa.
"have a reasoned discussion "
As if you saying Maori are not indigenous is any attempt at a reasoned discussion.
Whether or not Maori are indigenous isn't even the issue and just a red herring anyway. It is just a racist response to try and argue for European domination of political systems in a country that they, capitalist Europeans, consciously and deliberately colonised – recognising at the same time this capitalist imposition on local populations was also happening in places like Scotland as well.
Defining indigenous isn't clear cut anyway. Your assertions are non-sensical.
https://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unpfii/documents/5session_factsheet1.pdf
Then you double down with unreasoned bull-shit like this
"fashionable excuse" and this "This is not apartheid South Africa" to both dismiss and minimise genuine concerns about representation and to imply that some form of apartheid is taking place.
The real question is more something like "Maori were the local population in New Zealand when Europeans arrived and with whom we signed a Treaty that guaranteed them certain rights. As the number of European settlers grew many of these rights were breached. We rightfully entered into a Treaty process to resolve these breaches – a process in which Maori have been remarkably generous in accepting settlements and apologies far less in value as to what was taken. What has been evident through that process, and highly evident before that, is that Maori culturally have a much stronger communal and long term approach to things like land management, environmental controls, exploitation of resources, the accrual of benefits and so on.
As the population through migration is now dominated by non-Maori which has for instance put in systems of majority rule voting then Maori views can easily be disregarded and ignored. This has happened for a long time and in fact enabled the dispossession of land, etc in the first place.
To build on the progress of the Treaty settlements and to ensure that the often different viewpoints of Maori re considered, discussed and are able to have some influence then what systems need to be modified to ensure this?
Maori wards on councils helps achieve this. It seems a quite reasonable way to do this in my view and I have little fear of this. Since it has been implemented I have heard many say that it has really added value to council meetings and has improved local relationships with iwi.
It isn't clear to me what people like yourself are so afraid of. I get what capitalism is afraid of – they can't just do what they want to extract profit but unfetterred capitalism is always exploitative. Part of the 18th and early 19th century opposition by capitalism towards Maori was due to the communist collective nature of their culture.
As a society we should want better outcomes for our Maori population. We should support things that help achieve that. We shouldn't just impose our values – we need to listen to theirs and share some power with them in order to do this. Improved outcomes for Maori are improved outcomes for us all.
The first settlement people in the Americas came from Asia.
The Aborigine arrived in Oz soon after leaving Africa, but went via south Asia.
The first homo sapien settlement in Europe occurred after the Neanderthal.
The I Y chromosome people are the longest (by identifiable male line) surviving group in Europe today. In a sense no one else there is indigenous.
The Maori are the first known settlement group here and their culture developed separate from other Polynesians in this place.
In some countries the topic is moot, Indians in India, Han Chinese in China – where did they migrate from – their cultures developed in these areas.
At the world level, Maori are recognised as an indigenous people, so your reckons account for nought.
The other effect of Maori Wards (which are global – i.e. whole of Council area) is that those who can opt for voting in the Maori Ward (only those in the whole Council area that are on the Maori Electoral Roll (for National Elections) are LOCKED out of a vote on their local Ward for local representation. A way of purging Maori Electoral Roll voices from the Ward area they actually live in? This has most effect on those Councils which are more rural – that is District Councils – where it makes them a minority put in a box and prone to being out voted …..