Proper healthcare, meaningful education and genuine social welfare safety net programmes are the cornerstones of a nation. Without these any country is doomed to fail.

Add to the mix the prerequisite of equality for all citizens before the law with no special race-based privileges and certainly no non-elected, race-based representation - with or without voting rights - at either local or national government levels.

This sees we urgently need to rid ourselves of the prejudiced Waitangi Tribunal and entrenched race-based Maori seats.

Only then will Kiwis get some semblance of unity and prosperity.

The vision for voters is they must cast their vote only for someone who has the best interests of all Kiwis at heart.

Be vigilant, be wary and fight separatism.

R Paterson, Matapihi.