In the light of John Key's intention to appoint Bill English and Pita Sharples to the task of reviewing our constitution, I'd like to express a few concerns.
NZ does not have a written constitution. Nor do we have a moderating upper house, which leaves us out of step with other longer established western democracies. It also gives a vaguely casual impression of our lawmaking process, which is more than a bit alarming.
Some years ago Ian wishart launched a petition for a written constitution, long overdue, but as usual, apathy ruled, and nothing was achieved. Surely now would be the time to revisit this, rather than mess around with some highly dubious show of reviewing our present (unwritten ) constitution? Sounds like some sort of seance.
With the above in mind, what constraints are actually in place, designed to curb excesses or any unilateral interference by a prime minister in our lawmaking process, which should be sacrosanct? Or at least require across the board, including public input. How are Bill English or Pita Sharples qualified for this highly specialised task, even if this were permissible. These matters take time and input from minds trained in constitutional and democratic matters, and huge experience, not be discussed maybe over a teacup (I'm being kind) by two politically polarised men with definite agendas of their own. We are actually barely a hop away from a dictatorship, to my mind.
I believe the repeal of the Seabed and Foreshore Act wpuld be a potentially disastrous step, and would lead to a hydra- headed monster of of problems and frustrations for the whole of NZ for many years to come. What a legacy. Where's Superman when you need him?
I found this definition of democracy (by Peter Lemesurier) which some may enjoy : 'Democracy - Ritualised gang warfare in which the losers are expected to give in before the fight actually starts; political embodiment of 'might is right” philosophy, guaranteed to leave large parts of the population discontented '. (Not meant to connect with any of the above )
D Holm, Tauranga.