Clive Bibby: Behind the headlines - the truth about race relations in this country

Anybody watching Parliament debating the Treaty principles bill or the headlines on TV covering the Hikoi heading for Wellington - most of the traveling aboard buses with only predetermined stops at big centres where the cameras were waiting eager to get comment from hand picked protestors - would have gained the impression that the country was in revolt against proposed legislation that is already condemned to die in the committee stages. So what is the point these seemingly disaffected groups are trying to make? 

Because, if it is as we are led to believe that democracy is in danger, then the protestors had better make a better job of producing the evidence that we are on the brink of a movement that will have serious consequences for race relations in this country.

That proposition is fanciful and based on a false interpretation of opinions amongst the average Maori l know who just want to be left alone to get on with taking advantage of the opportunities available to them at all levels in the productive sector .

They understand that it is over to them if they are to achieve their aspirational goals in a society that treats everyone the same. 

Sure there are isolated cases of racism that reflect badly only on those who choose to fight their personal battles in that offensive manner. 

For the rest of us, the more civilised approach to dealing with disputes is the preferred modus operandi . We debate the different issues in forums that allow expressions of concerns until finally a compromise decision is achieved that is supported by a majority. 

So, my take on this current exercise in futility is that the sooner we get back to work, trying to address the real problems that confront everyday citizens, all the better for everyone. 

It is a great pity, almost to the point of being offensive, that this country has been hijacked by the “grandstanders and false prophets” who are having their few minutes in the spotlight, promoted by the main stream media who support their dodgy claims to entitlements no one else can enjoy. 

These guys should be watching what is happening in the United States and in Australia where the people have clearly spoken on these issues and in the process put to bed the disinformation about stolen land and rights to self governance in a treaty signed almost 200 years ago between the English Crown and New Zealand’s Paramount Tribal Chiefs who knew exactly what they were doing. To suggest otherwise is insulting to the intelligence of the people who were there.

No amount of revision by modern day woke judiciary or self serving tribal authorities will convince the average Maori that their future is best served by joining the mob on their journey to parliament. They simply have more important things on their minds at present - like whether their employment opportunities are at risk or whether they can feed their families and keep their children healthy. As the country adjusts to the real world problems that are not our fault but are non-the-less capable of affecting personal aspirations here in New Zealand, we must be careful not to get our priorities wrong. We must remain focused on things that matter to the people at the bottom of the heap.

But we won’t do that by pandering to the racist taunts of those who masquerade as the saviours of Maori heritage. They are out of touch with reality and have no place in what needs to happen next in the provinces where the real opportunities exist.

I know because l am and have been part of who they are for most of my life.

They are decent people who deserve leadership that works in the common man and woman’s best interests.

Isn’t that what we all want?

Clive Bibby is a commentator, consultant, farmer and community leader, who lives in Tolaga Bay.