History shows that Maori were not the Aboriginal inhabitants of this land; nor did they have any kind of formal ownership after becoming the dominant race. Neither did they have any understanding of ‘forgiveness' until the arrival of Christianity. Theirs was a system of tribal occupation until some other tribe overpowered them, which frequently resulted in death, enslavement and cannibalism.
Maori invited the British to help them establish law and order for their own protection (from each other). For several years prior to the Treaty the British tried, but Maori couldn't agree amongst themselves, hence the Treaty came into being at the request of Maori. It was not a partnership, but guaranteed British protection with equal rights to all citizens. However, Maori have become racially privileged when compared to the Aboriginal inhabitants of other countries.
The land is sacred, they say. While there will always be exceptions, one only need view not only the backyards but also the side and front yards of many Maori occupied properties, to see how unkempt (sacred?) they are.
It is time to do away with the 1860's (temporary) racially based guaranteed seats in Parliament - and racially based handouts and privileges. In a recent article, Ngai Tahu chairman Mark Solomon is quoted as saying, 'There's no you, there's no me, there's only us”. And that is how it must be, if we are to avoid the forthcoming increase in separatism and financial apartheid dominated by Maori.
G Allan, Tauranga.