R Paterson in his letter to the Sun
(Ethnicity Anomalies November 16) wants me and all other Maori who have participated in the Treaty Settlement process to become homogenised into what he calls a ‘normal citizen'.
Sorry Mr Paterson, but hanakoko isn't going to grant you your wish this Christmas, as one thing I don't do well is wearing the tag normal. Call me what you will but side stepping my ethnicity to get a front seat at the treaty trough is akin to calling you the Mayor of Western Bay because you share the same name.
The only difference is the other R Paterson was there the day we celebrated the signing up at Te Ranga, and he like many of the other 1000 who were not all Maori could finally see a silver lining in the long white cloud of injustices committed against the original land owners of Tauranga Moana.
This was further supported by the acting Prime Minister this week when opening the new Sharp Tudhope Building when he said: 'Tauranga would be better for the settlement of Treaty of Waitangi claims.”
Now who would have thought a Prime Minister with the last name of English and a Mayor with your last name would be supportive and understanding of us abnormal Maori?

Meri Kirimete Mr Paterson and an enjoyable normal new year to you and your Whanau.

Tommy Kapai, Te Puna.