He drew a sharp comparison between today’s cultural expectations and outdated religious rituals. “I don’t expect a priest to show up every time I break ground on a new building,” he said. “We’ve moved past imposing one person’s spirituality on another.” Seymour is right. New Zealand is a secular country, and requiring karakia before starting a project is no different from once needing a priest to offer a blessing. In both cases, it involves forcing spiritual practices onto others, regardless of their beliefs.
Seymour also criticised the unnecessary costs and delays that come with cultural consultations. Referring to the process as “mana whenua consultation,” he pointed out that these requirements do not “make the boat go faster” and instead create more red tape. He is correct. If New Zealand wants to fix its housing and infrastructure problems, ceremonial hurdles should not stand in the way of progress.
When asked when karakia should be used, Seymour’s answer was simple and reasonable. “Whenever the people involved in the situation want to do one.” No coercion, no obligation, no pressure. Just freedom of choice, which is exactly what a democratic and respectful society should offer.
Seymour’s comments were a principled defence of individual liberty. He is saying what many New Zealanders think but are too afraid to voice. Spiritual practices should never be imposed, and David Seymour is right to say so.
Matua Kahurangi is just a bloke sharing thoughts on New Zealand and the world beyond. No fluff, just honest takes. He blogs on https://matuakahurangi.com/ where this article was sourced.
4 comments:
David Seymour’s commonsense and logical approach seems to be anathema to many. How sad, and what an indictment on what a dumbed down lot we have become!
David Seymour’s common sense makes him a standout while the rest kowtow to meaningless woke compliance.
The natural speaking style of Judith Collins ( ladies first) David Seymour , Winston Peters and Shane Jones resonate with New Zealanders and we second guess the corporate speak of Luxon , Hipkins, Goldsmith ,Penk et al. I believe we only need the facts , not the packaging , and yes we all have had enough tough messages to be able to listen, assimilate and move forward .
Why have karakia been forced on every official gathering in recent years ?
Coercion, intimidation, threats, blackmail ?
Or all of the above ?
Push back everyone !
Stand up, walk out, start singing in English , then a few passages from the Buddhist Metta prayer.
Unless you do racist Maori will force even more fabricated cultural nonsense on you.
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