Peter Dey (The Weekend Sun, February 26, page 19) accurately captures the misunderstandings prevalent about Maori wards and explains the now defunct beliefs of those who supported the referendum to override the council decision to establish Maori wards. Well said Mr Dey!

In a recent, privately funded advertisement in The Weekend Sun, use of the term ‘apartheid' when referring to Nanaia Mahuta's actions as undemocratic is not only inflammatory but also highly inappropriate.

The language is extremist and does not accurately reflect the key issue here, which is not equality but equity. We are currently living in an environment that privileges English language, laws and practices and, as such, is not equal for all. Maori are not asking for superior rights, merely the same privilege as other citizens which voters continue to deny. Such privilege is accessible via Maori Wards. Without such protection there will be a continuation of the status quo – a white majority council paying little concern to the voice of Maori in the Bay of Plenty. Lengthy and no doubt expensive advertisements to the contrary do little to progress the richness that our region has to offer and demonstrates only disrespect for the language, culture and knowledge that tangata whenua (people of the land) can offer us in abundance.

I agree with Mr Dey that Maori wards will not affect those opposed, and as an aside, learning some te reo Maori is not only a respectful beginning but may also extend your individual cognition – just saying!

Dr Lesley Lyons McAdam, Otumoetai.