As a long-time National Party supporter, it grieves me that I'm compelled to write this condemnation of a government for what I perceive as a grave injustice being committed on this dear country of ours.
The first reading of the race based Marine and Coastal (Takutai Moana) Bill has taken place. With only two more readings of approximately four hours of debate, it looks very much like a fait accompli. Scant media coverage and weak political opposition has aided its passage with most New Zealanders oblivious to its very existence!
We are outraged that a democratically elected government could so undemocratically and with stealth and hidden agendas, hand over our common heritage (coastline and foreshore) to a few select Maori tribes.
Foreshore and Seabed betrayal notwithstanding, this government seems
hell bent on trampling over constitutional and democratic processes whenever it pleases and one has to wonder what we are really looking at here?
New Zealand is at a crossroads and I fear we are taking the wrong path in favouring 'Corporate Iwi” over the multinational majority.
John Key's ambitions of 'Catching up with Australia” is risible and can only be described as the words of a Nero-like despot, who in this case fiddles while separate development (Apartheid) continues unabated and people pack their bags and leave these, soon to be, Maori shores for good.
If you agree with my sentiments then I urge you to spread this message and hopefully create a ground-swell of opposition to this ill-conceived bill and restore our foreshore and seabed to the original Crown ownership for all generations of New Zealanders to enjoy.
T Fellingham, Tauranga.