In reply to Tasha Tukaokao, you wrote an energetic and passionate letter about 'racist crap”.
None of it is directed at Maori as a people, it is purely about money and is nothing to do with the people or the culture. It is one hundred percent about the deeds of the few in the cabal who are claiming ongoing squillions in cash and assets through what is being seen as the Treaty Gravy Train and which sadly does not appear to reach those further down the food-chain. No-one is complaining about compensation for genuine claims.
I recently quoted Maori academic Dr Brian McDonnell who warned in essence that 'The Waitangi Express should apply the brakes to slow the rush into a divisive future.” He also said that Maori 'must put the distant past behind them, clear up genuine grievances, get beyond grievance mode and take personal responsibility to improve their lives.” The fact that he mentions 'divisive future” and 'genuine grievances” shows his concern about the direction of the treaty claims of his people.
So Tasha, you and the rest of middle New Zealand who just go about their lives, are not the subject of the continuing discussion.
Many thanks to Brian for having a forum where all, including Tasha, can voice an opinion about a fraught subject which is heading in a very dangerous direction.

Robin Bishop, Pyes Pa.