In recent times the use of misinformation has become the norm rather than the exception.

In its current effort to deny Maori issues and opinions to be formally heard and considered around council debates, the organisation known as Hobsons Pledge and its local support group Concerned Citizens of Tauranga use misinformation and half-truths to influence the outcome of any proposed referendum on Maori ward establishment.

Sunlive recently featured two members of the latter group canvassing for signatures to force such a referendum.

However the rationale they use is suspect to say the least.

One of the two men featured is on record stating, there is no mention of partnership in the Treaty of Waitangi. The word partner is a noun used to describe an association of two or more entities, therefore a partnership exists, formalised by the articles of the treaty and determined by the agreed conditions.

The intent of the British was clear, reinforced later by the 1852 Constitution Act that provided for autonomous regions for Maori to govern themselves, but subject to British sovereignty. Context is important.

The other member of the featured partnership Ken Evans claims that a Maori ward cannot be representative because Maori are not a homogenous group.

It is nonsense - like that that influences opinion.

In that stated context there are no homogenous groups anywhere. Local Maori largely belong to Ngai Te Rangi iwi.

I know from long experience that these people are perfectly capable of sorting out who should or should not represent them.

Tom Fellingham goes on to state that Maori don't need to be involved in council matters – really? What about the need to partner with Maori on matters involving land development for the benefit of all local citizens. Matters involving river and catchment environment. I could go on.

Suffice to say the positives far outweigh any perceived negatives. Thanks.

R Bell, Omanawa