I find Alys Wicksteed's s snide remark that '$30 million is just a pittance” offensive as I am sure do the hundreds of unemployed New Zealanders to say nothing of the others who are slaving away trying to meet obligations including feeding families, paying mortgages/rent and taxes. To add insult to injury is the knowledge that it is their taxes which are being used to fund everlasting Maori claims but even more outrageous is the fact that the posssible Claim for ownership of Electromagnetic Spectrum is so totally illogical as Maori had no knowledge of it.
Wicksteed also claims 'we all know the first version of the Treaty of Waitangi was distorted by British when translated”. This is patently untrue as it was diligently translated by Henry Williams and his son who were conversant in Maori. It was also verbally exlained to Maori that they were to come under the rule of the British Crown and its Laws and in return would have protection against other cannibalistic tribes. Forty Chiefs signed and 500 other Maori put their moko.
If, as Wicksteed alleges, the Treaty is so distorted and devious, then why is Pita Sharples and his cronies trying so hard to have a new written Constitution based on the Treaty?

C.Thompson, Tauranga.