Will Hone keep his oath?
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- Date published:
10:25 am, December 10th, 2008 - 22 comments
Categories: maori party -
Tags: hone harawira
Yesterday, the MPs were sworn in. After the section ‘pledge true allegiance to Queen Elizabeth the Second, her heirs and successors, according to law’, some of the Maori Party MPs (reading the oath in Maori) inserted, ‘and the Treaty’. They were asked to repeat the allegiance without the reference to the Treaty.
Hone Harawira went one better and read a totally different oath that made no reference to the Queen. Instead his pledged to do his best for the iwi and hapu of his electorate and the Maori people. They didn’t bother wasting their time trying to get him to say the correct oath.
Good on him I reckon, all this anachronistic rubbish at Parliament yesterday and today is such a waste of time, and completely alien to the real world. Hone’s oath is far more relevant.
But will he keep it?
Will Hone vote for National/ACT’s tax legislation cancelling the currently legislated tax cuts for low income workers? If he does, he will putting up tax disproportionally on Maori. Disgracefully, the Maori Party refused to take their turn to talk on the first reading of the tax bill last night but voted for that first reading. Looks they are going to support a law without having the pride to explain why they back it. One might expect that spinelessness from Turia but Hone made an oath – he should tell the people how he is keeping it by increasing their taxes and voting for a tax cut for the wealthy.
Will he vote to remove workers’ rights for the first 90 days? If he does, he will be putting at risk the livelihoods of Maori workers, many of whom are vulnerable workers in industries that will exploit the no rights period.
Will he vote to suspend the ETS? Putting the burden of paying our Kyoto liability on all taxpayers, including Maori, rather than the big, predominantly Pakeha-owned companies and farms that do most of the polluting. Will he vote to renege on the Maori people’s commitment to environmental guardianship?
Will he vote to remove community and Maori input into development decisions?
Will be speak up when National/ACT attacks beneficiaries? Will he be heard when National/ACT fails to put up the minimum wage?
I hope that Hone will be as good as his word.
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- Greens stand in solidarity with Whakaata Māori on sad day
The loss of 27 kaimahi at Whakaata Māori and the end of its daily news bulletin is a sad day for Māori media and another step backwards for Te Tiriti o Waitangi justice. ...1 week ago
- Sanctions regime to create more hardship for families
Yesterday the Government passed cruel legislation through first reading to establish a new beneficiary sanction regime that will ultimately mean more households cannot afford the basic essentials. ...1 week ago
- Govt gifts renters housing anxiety for Christmas
Today's passing of the Government's Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill–which allows landlords to end tenancies with no reason–ignores the voice of the people and leaves renters in limbo ahead of the festive season. ...1 week ago
- Release: National Party urged to support modern slavery legislation
Labour is urging the Prime Minister to walk the talk and support legislation combating modern slavery. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour has lost confidence in the Speaker
The Speaker of the New Zealand Parliament made an unprecedented decision on the government amendment to the Fast Track Approvals Bill last night. ...2 weeks ago
- One year on, still no progress on new ferries
Today’s announcement from the Government on its plan for new ferries throws more uncertainty on the future of the country’s rail network. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Nicola Willis’ smaller ferries will cost more
After wasting a year, Nicola Willis has delivered a worse deal for the Cook Strait ferries that will end up being more expensive and take longer to arrive. ...2 weeks ago
- Bill to sanction unlawful occupation of Palestine
Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick has today launched a Member’s Bill to sanction Israel for its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, as the All Out For Gaza rally reaches Parliament. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour fully supports greyhound racing ban
The Government has done the right thing in moving to ban greyhound racing. ...2 weeks ago
- Greyhound racing industry ban marks new era for animal welfare
After years of advocacy, the Green Party is very happy to hear the Government has listened to our collective voices and announced the closure of the greyhound racing industry, by 1 August 2026. ...2 weeks ago
- Rangatahi voices must be centred in Government’s Relationship and Sexuality Education refresh
In response to a new report from ERO, the Government has acknowledged the urgent need for consistency across the curriculum for Relationship and Sexuality Education (RSE) in schools. ...2 weeks ago
- Govt introduces archaic anti-worker legislation
The Green Party is appalled at the Government introducing legislation that will make it easier to penalise workers fighting for better pay and conditions. ...2 weeks ago
- Winston Peters – Kinleith Mill Speech
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Auckland Central MP, Chlöe Swarbrick, has written to Mayor Wayne Brown requesting he stop the unnecessary delays on St James Theatre’s restoration. ...2 weeks ago
- He Ara Anamata: Greens launch Emissions Reduction Plan
Today, the Green Party of Aotearoa proudly unveils its new Emissions Reduction Plan–He Ara Anamata–a blueprint reimagining our collective future. ...2 weeks ago
- Internationally-trained doctors jump at chance to boost health workforce
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says Health New Zealand will move swiftly to support dozens of internationally-trained doctors already in New Zealand on their journey to employment here, after a tripling of sought-after examination places. “The Medical Council has delivered great news for hardworking overseas doctors who want to contribute ...19 hours ago - PM appoints business leader to APEC Business Advisory Council
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has appointed Sarah Ottrey to the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC). “At my first APEC Summit in Lima, I experienced firsthand the role that ABAC plays in guaranteeing political leaders hear the voice of business,” Mr Luxon says. “New Zealand’s ABAC representatives are very well respected and ...3 days ago
- New intelligence oversight appointments
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced four appointments to New Zealand’s intelligence oversight functions. The Honourable Robert Dobson KC has been appointed Chief Commissioner of Intelligence Warrants, and the Honourable Brendan Brown KC has been appointed as a Commissioner of Intelligence Warrants. The appointments of Hon Robert Dobson and Hon ...3 days ago
- New housing developments able to progress more quickly
Improvements in the average time it takes to process survey and title applications means housing developments can progress more quickly, Minister for Land Information Chris Penk says. “The government is resolutely focused on improving the building and construction pipeline,” Mr Penk says. “Applications to issue titles and subdivide land are ...3 days ago
- Actions to speed up air travel delivering results
The Government’s measures to reduce airport wait times, and better transparency around flight disruptions is delivering encouraging early results for passengers ahead of the busy summer period, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Improving the efficiency of air travel is a priority for the Government to give passengers a smoother, more reliable ...3 days ago
- Ending contracted emergency housing in Rotorua
The Government today announced the intended closure of the Apollo Hotel as Contracted Emergency Housing (CEH) in Rotorua, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says. This follows a 30 per cent reduction in the number of households in CEH in Rotorua since National came into Government. “Our focus is on ending CEH in the Whakarewarewa area starting ...3 days ago
- Vocational education and training decisions support return to regions
The Government will reshape vocational education and training to return decision making to regions and enable greater industry input into work-based learning Tertiary Education and Skills Minister, Penny Simmonds says. “The redesigned system will better meet the needs of learners, industry, and the economy. It includes re-establishing regional polytechnics that ...3 days ago
- Reducing the environmental impact of synthetic refrigerants
The Government is taking action to better manage synthetic refrigerants and reduce emissions caused by greenhouse gases found in heating and cooling products, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds says. “Regulations will be drafted to support a product stewardship scheme for synthetic refrigerants, Ms. Simmonds says. “Synthetic refrigerants are found in a ...3 days ago
- Ngāruawāhia section of Waikato Expressway back to 4 lanes for Christmas
People travelling on State Highway 1 north of Hamilton will be relieved that remedial works and safety improvements on the Ngāruawāhia section of the Waikato Expressway were finished today, with all lanes now open to traffic, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“I would like to acknowledge the patience of road users ...3 days ago
- Appointments to the ENZ board
Tertiary Education and Skills Minister, Penny Simmonds, has announced a new appointment to the board of Education New Zealand (ENZ). Dr Erik Lithander has been appointed as a new member of the ENZ board for a three-year term until 30 January 2028. “I would like to welcome Dr Erik Lithander to the ...4 days ago
- Government to celebrate Waitangi Day around NZ
The Government will have senior representatives at Waitangi Day events around the country, including at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, but next year Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has chosen to take part in celebrations elsewhere. “It has always been my intention to celebrate Waitangi Day around the country with different ...4 days ago
- More gangs added to Gangs Act list
Two more criminal gangs will be subject to the raft of laws passed by the Coalition Government that give Police more powers to disrupt gang activity, and the intimidation they impose in our communities, Police Minister Mark Mitchell says. Following an Order passed by Cabinet, from 3 February 2025 the ...4 days ago
- Judicial appointment announced
Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Justice Christian Whata as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Whata’s appointment as a Judge of the Court of Appeal will take effect on 1 August 2025 and fill a vacancy created by the retirement of Hon Justice David Goddard on ...4 days ago
- GDP data highlights importance of growth
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- Strengthening Free Speech in Universities
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- Launch of Emergency Cellular Priority Service
Police Minister, Mark Mitchell, and Internal Affairs Minister, Brooke van Velden, today launched a further Public Safety Network cellular service that alongside last year’s Cellular Roaming roll-out, puts globally-leading cellular communications capability into the hands of our emergency responders. The Public Safety Network’s new Cellular Priority service means Police, Wellington ...4 days ago
- Minister reopens Mangamuka Gorge
State Highway 1 through the Mangamuka Gorge has officially reopened today, providing a critical link for Northlanders and offering much-needed relief ahead of the busy summer period, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“The Mangamuka Gorge is a vital route for Northland, carrying around 1,300 vehicles per day and connecting the Far ...4 days ago
- Funding confirmed for second Ashburton Bridge
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- Government boosts support for avian influenza response
The Government is backing the response into high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Otago, Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says. “Cabinet has approved new funding of $20 million to enable MPI to meet unbudgeted ongoing expenses associated with the H7N6 response including rigorous scientific testing of samples at the enhanced PC3 ...4 days ago
- Levelling the playing field for media advertising
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- Inspector-General of Defence appointed
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- Fire and Emergency New Zealand final levy rates confirmed
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Government has agreed to the final regulations for the levy on insurance contracts that will fund Fire and Emergency New Zealand from July 2026. “Earlier this year the Government agreed to a 2.2 percent increase to the rate of levy. Fire ...5 days ago
- More AML relief on the way for Kiwi businesses
The Government is delivering regulatory relief for New Zealand businesses through changes to the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act. “The Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Amendment Bill, which was introduced today, is the second Bill – the other being the Statutes Amendment Bill - that ...5 days ago
- Hawke’s Bay Expressway moving at pace
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- Government seeks partnerships to plant trees on Crown-owned-land
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- Wide ranging legislation to make justice system more efficient
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- Diverse skills in community trust appointments
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- Torture redress for survivors of the Lake Alice Unit
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- Greater reporting on Treaty settlement commitments
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- New appointments to the Charities Registration Board
Mr Roger Holmes Miller and Ms Tarita Hutchinson have been appointed to the Charities Registration Board, Community and Voluntary Sector Minister Louise Upston says. “I would like to welcome the new members joining the Charities Registration Board. “The appointment of Ms Hutchinson and Mr Miller will strengthen the Board’s capacity ...5 days ago
- Building consent processing times improve
More building consent and code compliance applications are being processed within the statutory timeframe since the Government required councils to submit quarterly data, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “In the midst of a housing shortage we need to look at every step of the build process for efficiencies ...5 days ago
- Faster access to support through Innovation Fund
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- New Zealand to assist Vanuatu on earthquake response
New Zealand is providing Vanuatu assistance following yesterday's devastating earthquake, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. "Vanuatu is a member of our Pacific family and we are supporting it in this time of acute need," Mr Peters says. "Our thoughts are with the people of Vanuatu, and we will be ...5 days ago
- Government takes steps to reduce card fees for Kiwis
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- Offshore Renewable Energy Bill passes first reading
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- Newsroom daily quiz, Monday 23 December
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Hone will spit the dummy. He has to. His whole political life has been formed in opposing these bastards.
In my eyes Hone Harawria lost all credibility when he and his party chose to do a deal with National, this especially when Hone referred to John Key as a “slippery snake”.
I don’t really care if those on low incomes (currently being supported by me through WFF) lose some of my money every week as I have had enough of paying for kids that are not mine and paying for people who are stupid enough to have more kids than they can afford.
A few years back this would have concerned me however after being pillaged by Labour for nine years to pay for their social engineering and election bribes I no longer care.
I want tax cuts and I want them now, it is about time that Kiwi’s realise that life involves a fair bit of personal responsibility.
justthefacts, you’re welcome to leave.
Didn’t Hone state that he’d rather be stabbed from the front than from the back?
On that basis, he has not only displayed credibility but a sense of pragmatism to get results over dogma.
justthefacts….. you may not care now, but you will when the very people you slate are turrning to criminal activity, including benefit fraud, just to be properly able support themsleves and their families.
It always astounds me that you Tory rich pricks never seem to understand what the inevitable back end of wooly thinking like yours is!!!
And hey, ALL government is ‘social engineering’ of some kind or other, you dumb-ass.
It must have been SO hard for you under Labour? Did you have to stop using the third car??? Awwwwwwwwww
DeeDub
Wow!, they do say that the left is bitter and twisted, I guess you are living proof.
I also note that you do not let anything like the truth get in the way of your hatred, crime was down under Labour (http://www.thestandard.org.nz/crime-falls-again/), benefit fraud was small and falling under Labour to say nothing of the large decrease in the number of beneficaires (http://www.thestandard.org.nz/some-facts-on-benefit-numbers/), which wasn’t due to people moving from the unemployment benefit to sicknes or invalids so I fail to see how you can blame the crime decrease and benefit fraud on anybody but Labour.
I laughed at the “rich prick” comment, as you have no idea who I am or my particular circumstances I find it so typical that you immediately label anybody who does not agree with you as “rich”.
I have had enough of paying for other peoples kids, all I want is for the govt is to take its dirty hands off my money, let me look after my own and let others look after theirs.
Just the facts:
You are the result of a few thousand years of evolution?
Even the neanderthals looked after other peoples kids, hell they had other peoples kids.
And this thread is about Hone Harawira honouring the Treaty. He can’t do that if he sells out not only his kids and grandkids but other peoples kids as well. Tinorangatiratanga means the leader looking after ALL of his/her people, not just “his own”.
I agree that the MP made a fatal mistake in joining National and ACT. But they can partially redeem themselves by opposing every policy NACT proposes that is an attack on the rights and living standards of ordinary people. Hell they can even break their agreement and go onto the opposition benches.
rave. to be fair to Just the Facts, I corrected the facts in their last comment and put in references, because their original claims were wrong, and I know they just want the facts.
Steve, it isn’t right to transparently edit others’ comments, even when they’re blatantly bullshit. By all means put your counter-evidence, but don’t make your words look like his.
L
I know, Lew, sorry. It’s an idea I’m working on though around just getting the facts in when some claims something completely false. I have a theory it will either make the target troll stop pulling out the false ‘facts’ or ncourage them to leave altogether.
BTW, you’re not suggesting I do it intransparently, are you?
SP: By `transparently’ I mean `with your words not demarcated from his’, rather than that you simply didn’t mention it (which you did).
L
“Steve”
Is free speech allowed here or not?
From what I can see you are very good at telling endless lies and half truths about the Nat’s yet you take exception (in a rather juvenile way it must be said) to the truth being told about Labour.
just having some fun with you justthefacts. Just letting you know that if you want to write things that are demonstrably untrue you’re going to get shown up. All you have to do is make the argument without the lies. And if you can’t, you should re-examine the argument.
“Steve”
I am more than happy to deal in facts, are you?
Steve why do you assume that the only way for Hone to fulfill his oath and look after his people is through left wing policies?
NickC. I assume nothing, I make an argument that Hone will be breaking his oath if he votes for those particular policies. You’re welcome to argue counter to that – take the specific instances I’ve refered to and show how voting for them is not against the interests of Maori.
just. more than happy.
The Maori party have just said they won’t support the no-rights bill.
justthefacts:
In my experience most people who talk loudly about THEIR money are usually ‘rich pricks’. It doesn’t mean I think you are wealthy beyond the dreams of avarice, and I know some VERY generous wealthy people – but it does mean I think you’re being a prick. Perhaps ‘selfish prick’ would have been more appropriate? I apologise for getting that wrong.
And Robinsod, that is heartening news, if somewhat phyrric . . .
Where’s some documentation to back up the claims made by the CTU and others that taxes will be increased for low income workers?
swampy. we’ve done numerous graphs showing this. look in our archives or get off your arse and compare the two tax packages yourself.
The key thing is that the previous legislation was going to raise the 12.5%/21% threshold from $14K to $20K and National/ACT has cancelled that.