In reply to Susan Devoy's letter ‘Disappointing view of language' (The Weekend Sun, July 4) I believe she has overstepped the mark writing like this in her position as Race Relations Commissioner.

As a ratepayer and private citizen this would have been fine.

I would point out there are still many people who are angry, not that ‘God Defend New Zealand' is sung in Maori at public events, but it is sung in Maori first.

Surely as it was written by a European in English and with 70 per cent of the current population are non-Maori, it should be sung in English first.

In addition if then sung in Maori, about 14.1 per cent of the population according to Statistics NZ, it should also be sung in a Pacifica language, which is 10 per cent of the population and an Asian language, with 10 per cent of the population being of Asian descent.

The same goes for television presenters who open their programme with ‘Kia Ora' and nothing else.

How about also ‘Good Evening' and then a greeting in Pacifica then in an Asian language as well?

Many New Zealanders feel the Maori language is being forced down their throats regardless, without them having any say in the matter. I say her letter will be ‘offensive' to many.

Fair is fair Susan - and don't use your title as your right to say what you like.

R Bailey, Papamoa.