Why was it racist opposing the introduction of Maori Wards? Legislation has ensured that local councils consult with Maori. Maori forums are established where Hapu reps meet regularly to learn what council is doing, and to act on the concerns their members have.
No other ethnic group has this advantage. Special staff are employed.
One previous Tauranga councillor believed there was a partnership with Maori which is utter nonsense, as the chiefs in 1840 ceded sovereignty to the Crown. Monarchs don't go into partnership with their subjects. What Article 3 of the Treaty gave all New Zealanders was equality before the law, which happened nowhere else in the world.
Council has to consult with Maori before any development occurs. When we are sealing gravel roads, iwi have to be consulted whether they live on the road or not.
They can sit and observe the work in case any special taonga is found; they get paid for all this consultation, and it certainly ads to the cost of roading.
Article 3 of the Treaty is as strong today as it was in 1840, but too many want to ignore it—it made us equal and that means working together and not going down separate paths in our democracy.
Margaret Murray-Benge, Bethlehem.
2 comments
Undemocratic & racist
Posted on 05-03-2021 06:58 | By crazyhorse
Councils are elected to represent the interests of all citizens. They are required to follow processes laid down in law to ensure fair and equal treatment. Once they start going outside those processes to humour a privileged interest group – whether it’s one based on ethnicity or any other characteristic – then they invite public contempt and distrust. IT’S NOT HOW DEMOCRACY IS SUPPOSED TO WORK.
Partnership
Posted on 05-03-2021 09:33 | By KiwiDerek
As has been repeated here quite often, the NZ Parliament and NZ HighCourts have recognized the Treaty as a partnership. In NZ Law the Treaty is a partnership. That you refuse to accept that doesn't make it any less true.
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