It is always disappointing when so called academics get things so wrong. Mr Bruce Moon is a case in point.
In his latest letter he asserts that he and his followers stand for equality and truth. At what point does equality start? At the signing of the treaty, when in the words of his supporters the Maori were nothing but ignorant savages, there is a contradiction. Or perhaps later when the need for more and more land led to confiscations, often, on trumped up charges. Or perhaps later, when Maori were denied a proper education conducted in their own language. Language being the first step to all learning. Or until very recently when local body councils driven by the need for land development upped rates to unaffordable levels, leading to even more confiscations. Most people will remember the 'Raglan Fiasco.”
As for the truth Mr Moon, that's a tough one. My truth tells me that when the crown entered a treaty, they legally recognized Maori sovereignty. Whether all Maori signed away their rights can be argued for ever and a day. In any event the dominant part, i.e, the crown has undeniable obligation to protect all the interests of the minor signatory. This, the crown clearly failed to do, Justice Cook knew this. Hence the settlements.

Robin Bell, Omanawa.