It’s remarkable, isn’t it?
New Zealand, somehow produced world-leading scientists, engineers, explorers, aviators, and athletes - all before schools were required to open every lesson with ceremonial chanting and a Treaty compliance checklist.
Let’s look at some of our world achievers:-
Sir Edmund Hillary – climbed Everest without a Cultural Safety Officer and the climbing ropes being blessed.
Ernest Rutherford – split the atom - without having his chemistry class start with a karakia
Jean Batten – solo flights across oceans - without using indigenous navigation methods
Burt Munro – didn’t recite a Treaty principle before tuning his bike to break world speed records.
Bruce McLaren – built a racing empire without “co-governance principles.”
Denny Hulme – F1 champion, no cultural learning involved
Chris Amon – drove for Ferrari, not a single curriculum framework in sight.
Sir Peter Blake – won ocean races without completing a “waka-based leadership module”
Bill Hamilton – invented the jet-boat with engineering skills, not primitive ideology.
Sir Bob Charles – golfing great - no “tikanga-based sporting alignment.”
Scott Dixon – IndyCar legend - no chanting or Haka required before a race.
Barry Briggs – 4x Speedway World Champion - no time for a mihi
Ronnie Moore – another world speedway champion - no cultural chants required
Richard Pearse – flew before the Wright Brothers without any spiritual force involved
Murray Halberg – Olympic champion relied on grit and determination, not governance rituals.
Sir Peter Snell – one of our greatest runners - achieved without cultural influences
Sir John Walker – first man under 3:50 for the mile - powered by legs, not tikanga
Dame Kiri Te Kanawa – world opera icon without culturally curated warm-ups.
Sir Apirana Ngata – Māori leader, scholar, statesman - excelled through Western education.
Sir Peter Buck – doctor, anthropologist, Māori leader - succeeded through rigour, not ritual.
Charles Upham VC - didn’t pause mid-battle to discuss Treaty obligations
Fred Hollows - renowned ophthalmologist who relied on western science not matauranga
These New Zealanders achieved greatness through, hard work, discipline and responsible education from teachers who actually taught real world subjects - English, Maths, Science, Geography, true history and not being drowned in compulsory cultural BS. If greatness didn’t require cultural BS then, it doesn’t require it now.
In 180 years we built a world-class country and we didn't need compulsory cultural rituals, workers reciting chants, karakia's to start the day off, Treaty checklists before you started a job and some irrelevant blessing when you completed it.
Yet they are implying that today's children cannot read, write, do maths, or function as humans unless their school board signs a Treaty pledge, their classroom is decorated like a cultural museum, and their teacher is part-time social worker, part-time activist and a part-time curator of spiritual wellbeing.
Meanwhile, our literacy, numeracy and attendance rates are sinking through the floor. but at least the morning karakia gets sung in tune.
This is what happens when ideology replaces education, New Zealand used to produce world-class minds, now we produce children who can perform a mihi but can’t do basic fractions.
Now over 1,000 schools are out there protesting because Parliament dared, to remove the mandatory requirement for school boards to participate in Treaty ideology.
All this while the education system is collapsing like a wet cardboard box.
The scoreboard is revealing
Not truancy. Not literacy. Not numeracy.
No, no - school boards choose to ignore the real problems and focus on useless ideology that the real world doesn't need and in most cases doesn't want.
But hey - let’s pretend the biggest threat to education is removing a clause from a policy manual.
Many schools announce their commitment to the “principles of Partnership, Protection, and Participation”, which is fascinating, considering:
These “principles” are
Are they actually trying to educate children or are they trying to indoctrinate them?
When a school knowingly teaches children false history, imaginary partnerships, invented principles political inventions as if they were historical fact, that’s not leadership - that's deceitful and commonly called lying!
What kind of teacher would choose ideology over truth?
None of these Maori teachings are of benefit in the real world, Maori are clear demonstrators of that , if it was so wonderful they wouldn't be top of our all our bad statistics - crime, imprisonment, unemployment, baby killings ...the list goes on. Their culture is so uninspiring they literally have to enforce it on people.
Be aware, altruism does not feature in the radical Maori world view, everything they do is for their own benefit.
Every little bit of Maorification, doesn't matter how insignificant it may seem is just a further step in the He Puapua plan for self governance, be warned.
Sir Edmund Hillary – climbed Everest without a Cultural Safety Officer and the climbing ropes being blessed.
Ernest Rutherford – split the atom - without having his chemistry class start with a karakia
Jean Batten – solo flights across oceans - without using indigenous navigation methods
Burt Munro – didn’t recite a Treaty principle before tuning his bike to break world speed records.
Bruce McLaren – built a racing empire without “co-governance principles.”
Denny Hulme – F1 champion, no cultural learning involved
Chris Amon – drove for Ferrari, not a single curriculum framework in sight.
Sir Peter Blake – won ocean races without completing a “waka-based leadership module”
Bill Hamilton – invented the jet-boat with engineering skills, not primitive ideology.
Sir Bob Charles – golfing great - no “tikanga-based sporting alignment.”
Scott Dixon – IndyCar legend - no chanting or Haka required before a race.
Barry Briggs – 4x Speedway World Champion - no time for a mihi
Ronnie Moore – another world speedway champion - no cultural chants required
Richard Pearse – flew before the Wright Brothers without any spiritual force involved
Murray Halberg – Olympic champion relied on grit and determination, not governance rituals.
Sir Peter Snell – one of our greatest runners - achieved without cultural influences
Sir John Walker – first man under 3:50 for the mile - powered by legs, not tikanga
Dame Kiri Te Kanawa – world opera icon without culturally curated warm-ups.
Sir Apirana Ngata – Māori leader, scholar, statesman - excelled through Western education.
Sir Peter Buck – doctor, anthropologist, Māori leader - succeeded through rigour, not ritual.
Charles Upham VC - didn’t pause mid-battle to discuss Treaty obligations
Fred Hollows - renowned ophthalmologist who relied on western science not matauranga
These New Zealanders achieved greatness through, hard work, discipline and responsible education from teachers who actually taught real world subjects - English, Maths, Science, Geography, true history and not being drowned in compulsory cultural BS. If greatness didn’t require cultural BS then, it doesn’t require it now.
In 180 years we built a world-class country and we didn't need compulsory cultural rituals, workers reciting chants, karakia's to start the day off, Treaty checklists before you started a job and some irrelevant blessing when you completed it.
Yet they are implying that today's children cannot read, write, do maths, or function as humans unless their school board signs a Treaty pledge, their classroom is decorated like a cultural museum, and their teacher is part-time social worker, part-time activist and a part-time curator of spiritual wellbeing.
Meanwhile, our literacy, numeracy and attendance rates are sinking through the floor. but at least the morning karakia gets sung in tune.
This is what happens when ideology replaces education, New Zealand used to produce world-class minds, now we produce children who can perform a mihi but can’t do basic fractions.
Now over 1,000 schools are out there protesting because Parliament dared, to remove the mandatory requirement for school boards to participate in Treaty ideology.
All this while the education system is collapsing like a wet cardboard box.
The scoreboard is revealing
- 1 in 10 kids chronically truant, missing 30%+ of school.
- 15% of seniors not turning up at all.
- Only 56% pass basic writing and numeracy.
Not truancy. Not literacy. Not numeracy.
No, no - school boards choose to ignore the real problems and focus on useless ideology that the real world doesn't need and in most cases doesn't want.
But hey - let’s pretend the biggest threat to education is removing a clause from a policy manual.
Many schools announce their commitment to the “principles of Partnership, Protection, and Participation”, which is fascinating, considering:
These “principles” are
- Not in the Treaty -
- Not defined in legislation anywhere
- Not required of school boards,
- Not voted on by the public,
Are they actually trying to educate children or are they trying to indoctrinate them?
When a school knowingly teaches children false history, imaginary partnerships, invented principles political inventions as if they were historical fact, that’s not leadership - that's deceitful and commonly called lying!
What kind of teacher would choose ideology over truth?
None of these Maori teachings are of benefit in the real world, Maori are clear demonstrators of that , if it was so wonderful they wouldn't be top of our all our bad statistics - crime, imprisonment, unemployment, baby killings ...the list goes on. Their culture is so uninspiring they literally have to enforce it on people.
Be aware, altruism does not feature in the radical Maori world view, everything they do is for their own benefit.
Every little bit of Maorification, doesn't matter how insignificant it may seem is just a further step in the He Puapua plan for self governance, be warned.
Graeme Spencer is a staunch New Zealander who believes in racial equality and one law for all.
25 comments:
What is the correct label for this ideology? It has elements of Neo-fascism with the emphasis on racial hierarchy. Some call it Neo-Marxism but it doesn't appear to have the economic elements of Marxism. Cultural Marxism is another name for it. Whatever it is, it is a form of extremism we are turning a blind eye to.
As a name, I suggest 'madness'. It isn't sane and it isn't rational; it is a collective neurosis of some sort. The people responsible are off their rocker. One sandwich short of a picnic, not rowing with all oars. And they are controlling the direction of the country. It must end in failure.
I find it very frustrating to be forced to participate.
Wow so many flawed arguments in just one opinion piece. Here’s one early highlight: “they are implying that today's children cannot read, write, do maths, or function as humans unless their school board signs a Treaty pledge”
No, they’re not implying anything of the sort. The author is using a strawman argument: a logical fallacy where a person misrepresents an opponent's position by exaggerating, distorting, or oversimplifying it, making it easier to attack or refute. Instead of engaging with the real subject matter, the arguer attacks this weakened or distorted version, creating the illusion of having defeated the opponent's actual stance. This is invalid because it avoids addressing the actual issue and instead targets a false version, thus failing to engage with the true reasoning behind the original argument.
Thanks for the reminder as to what constitutes a straw man argument, Anon 753. Now tell us why you think the quote you present from the article falls into the straw man category.
Because at it's core it is nothing to do with promiting maori culture. It is a very evil divisive marxist ideology that seeks to remove the concept of the individual. Dumbed down populations won't have the skills to fight it. The problem with nz is that all our leaders are either weak on the right or mentally ill on the left. If Donald Trump came here, he would solve many issues within a few months and would have negotiated a treaty with Taiwan so that maori who want to, could return to their original homeland.
Appreciate it, Barend. The more we can do to improve the discourse on this site the better. Calling out flawed arguments is a responsibility we should all carry. Over time, I hope that we become respected as a beacon for well reasoned, diverse dialog. Our values will shine through and heads will turn our way. A rising tide raises all boats, as they say! Kia kaha!
We are told that '... more than 1000 schools have now publicly reaffirmed they will continue giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, despite the government removing school boards' Treaty requirement from the Education and Training Act.'.
Does this mean that the school board at each of these schools met and voted to take this position, or rather, is it the principals of these schools who unilaterally made the decision?
I so wish my well meaning relatives had stayed in the UK. They thought they were doing the best for themselves and their childrens future I suppose. If they only knew what a sad and sorry country this has turned out to be for their extended family. If only they had chosen the Lucky country, which i understand they considered. Hindsight is a wonderful thing.
Assuming Anon@7.53 is one and the same with Anon@8.36, what nonsense you espouse and the mention of Donald Trump only underpins it.
Graeme has given a very good summary on the situation, where a false ideology of the Treaty narrative appears to have taken a front seat over the paramount objective of School Board's under the the Act, which is to have every student attain their highest possible standard in educational achievement. Educational standards have been dramatically declining for sometime, and this wayward thinking expressed by these 1000-odd School Boards clearly identifies their misguided priorities. It is the Crown's obligation to give effect to the Treaty, not School Boards, and in any event, The Treaty's relevance to our lives should now be diminishing as each day passes, as the fundamental DNA of both the Crown and the Maori bears increasingly less resemblance to that which prevailed nearly 200 years ago. We should be looking to a united future - not a divided past. Distinguishing children (and society) along racial lines will not end well.
Interesting that some of these radical racist pseudo maoris cannot knock a chip off Mr Graeme Spencer's article. Clearly from their posts neither do they have the intellect to put forward any cohesive argument based on the truth of the Treaty. They rely on the mantra of lies. Furthermore they hide as anonymous idiots that do not have the courage of their convictions to state their names. This is the devious way of the deceitful activist.
We certainly have produced some high achievers although too many mentioned in this article are sporting ones which I feel is one of NZ's problems - overly committed to sport . Brawn not brain or wisdom.
We have also produced , in my opinion one of the very worst -Dame Marie Clay who was more committed to ideology than genuine education . Consequently we now have one of the longest tails of underachievement in the developed world and the lowest literacy scores in the English speaking world when we once had the best.
Among the great underclass of underachievers are a disproportionate number of Maori and consequently their poor statistics. I agree however they are also self inflicted because of the breakdown in morality and licentiousness but which progressivism aided.
Progressivism was Clay's ideology and the massive literacy failures she has produced have opened the door to Marxism victim hood including DEI and CRT. Actually it was embryo Marxism that motivated Clay and is the villain in producing our current educational fiasco . What absurdity to imagine more culture will produce better educational outcomes . More Marxism will produce more catastrophe.
Ms Burbalsinghe of the amazingly high achieving London slum based school using traditional methods , says current progressive education is the main destructive agency against Western Culture . I agree .
There is a full on attack undermining effective education in our schools and replacing it with social engineering - socialism and Marxism. This started ever so insidiously decades ago but has revealed itself fully this century. All along there have been prophets who warned us of what was happening but society was so excited at having a so called high achiever like world acclaimed Clay they were blinded to the truth. Be wary of applauding all high achievers that the consensus opinion favours.
ACT party leader and chief dog-whistler told me not many schools are supporting this so there is nothing to even talk about. As you were, folks.
And don’t forget Dame Lisa Carrington, a highly celebrated New Zealander (Ngāti Porou and Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki), who explicitly thanked and acknowledged her Māori culture in multiple significant ways. She emphasises representing her people, whānau, and iwi with pride and purpose, inspiring especially Māori girls to dream big and work hard. Dane Lisa promotes Māoritanga and te Reo Māori, including authoring a children's book in both English and te Reo Māori. She has spoken publicly about how connecting with her Māori heritage has helped her steady herself and find strength in her identity. Her recognition extends to receiving an honorary doctorate for contributions to sport and culture.
And Ol’ Taika! Taika Waititi has achieved remarkable global success as a filmmaker, actor, and comedian, becoming one of the most internationally recognised contemporary directors. He gained worldwide acclaim for his unique style and original storytelling, especially marked by his 2017 blockbuster "Thor: Ragnarok," which earned over US$850 million globally and established him firmly in Hollywood. Waititi was also the first Māori person to win an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for "Jojo Rabbit," and he was named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world in 2022.
Waititi strongly embraces and promotes his Māori heritage (Te Whānau-a-Apanui) and indigenous culture in his work. He frequently incorporates Māori actors, stories, and cultural practices into his films and productions and advocates for indigenous voices globally. He champions representation by including indigenous interns on his projects and conducting traditional ceremonies on set.
Democracy destroyed at school level.
School boards that promote apartheid.
Intimidation by school board leaders to all members to fall into line with their racial doctrine.
I bet that any opposition to the overarching Maori domination is quickly squashed.
And Luxon allows this to go on - where are his statements condemning this ?
He is not a leader, while in a leadership position and for the good of all NZers he must be rolled - now .
If our children were still at school, we would be moving them to a private school, or all of us to Australia.
How can we have missed Sir Apirana Ngata’s strong connections to the Ngāti Porou iwi. He was the first Māori to graduate from a New Zealand university, earning degrees in law and arts. Ngata cofounded the Young Māori Party, advocating for Māori advancement through education, land reform, and cultural revival.
Speaking of Bob Charles - what about US Open winner Michael Campbell? Campbell credits his Māori upbringing as a source of strength and inspiration throughout his golf career. He has expressed that he wanted to prove to the world that Māori people can succeed in golf, a sport not traditionally associated with Māori culture. Campbell's connection to his community and his heritage gave him a sense of pride and motivation, and after winning the 2005 US Open, he was deeply committed to sharing his success with his people and inspiring young Māori to take up golf. He has noted that embracing his roots helped him break molds and challenged stereotypes, showing that Māori can achieve at the highest levels in international sport. Despite the intense attention after his major win, he remained humble and focused on giving back, including raising money for charitable causes. Campbell’s journey underscores the importance of cultural identity in his personal and professional life, and he sees his achievements as a triumph not just for himself but for Māori representation globally.
And do not forget the Poor Knights Islands " invasion" by a Northland Iwiw following the MACA Law Amendment ..... no action by the Coalition.
The more Maori success stories we see here, the weaker the excuses about being victims of oppression by those who can't be bothered working their way up.
I have no problem with people of Maori antecedence highlighting the importance of their cultural heritage as they see it in their life success. Just don't force the rest of us to pay lipservice to that heritage that ISN'T OURS.
Here's the deal I offer.......... my 'Dutchness' in the forms of honouring my Dutch heritage and keeping up my Dutch mother tongue are MY business, not yours, and does not create any obligations on your part............ your 'Maoriness' in the forms of honouring your Maori heritage and keeping up your Maori language are YOUR business, not mine, and does not create any obligations on my part. Done?
Okay, Carrington and Campbell might now go on about the importance of cultural identity--and glad they now are playing that card to inspire youngsters. But, seriously, their cultural identity had zero to do with their sporting success at a young age: they simply worked and trained exceptionally hard. Parents who encouraged may or may not have motivated them. Plenty of high achievers achieved by going against parents' wishes....
How can we mention Taika without his predecessor Lee?! Hollywood director Lee Tamahori emphasised that through film, he could share how Māori culture lived and experienced life, suggesting that this cultural lens helped him create powerful and unique narratives. Tamahori’s identity and whakapapa were central to his purpose as a filmmaker, providing him not only with the stories he told but also with the drive and vision to succeed in challenging environments both at home and abroad. His Māori roots gave him a real connection to the stories of his community, which he felt was a source of strength that helped him get to where he did in his career.
Dr Maarire Goodall, what an achiever!
- Founded two charitable cancer research trusts: the Cancer Research Trust and the Institute for Cancer Research Trust, which provide funding for cancer research at the University of Otago.
- Served as Head of the Department of Cancer Research at the University of Otago from 1966 to 1985.
- Visiting Professor and Research Fellow at the National Cancer Institute, USA.
- Founded the New Zealand Society of Oncology and presiding over it for many years.
- Being the longest-serving member of the WHO Expert Advisory Panel on Cancer, retiring in 1986.
- Conducting extensive research in genetics, carcinogenesis, immunology, epidemiology, pathology of cancer, and theoretical studies.
- Helping establish the Waitangi Tribunal and serving as a Senior Research Officer and judicial assistant from 1986 to 1989.
- life member of multiple scientific societies including the New York Academy of Sciences and American Association for Cancer Research.
Dr Goodall, who was raised in Murihiku and affiliated with Ngāi Tahu, acknowledged that her Māori heritage was central to her identity and success. Her work was deeply rooted in the commitment to improve the wellbeing and opportunities of Māori people through selfless action. According to accounts, she exemplified the potential within everyone to make significant contributions by turning up, making important statements, and supporting others' journeys. She was dedicated to mentoring and encouraging successive generations of Māori medical professionals by creating supportive environments and celebrating Māori health advancements. Her heritage inspired her advocacy for Māori health and culture, blending scientific research with a strong cultural foundation, which she regarded as vital to her career and achievements.
But most (all?) of these Maori achievers also have other heritage - perhaps European, Jewish or Asian and over 50% of that, so why aren't they also aclaimed as a British or whatever achiever. All their DNA had contributed to their success - and their mixed heritage has possibly made them stronger people in all ways
This article hits the bigger nail on the head. Has the situation for Maori got better since they have been given preferential rights on many isssues? If the answer is no - why keep pushing for more of the same. The definition of insanity is doing the same things and expecting a different result. We are all Kiwis and immigrants whatever our background or arrival time. Every has as equal opportuinties as is possible - get on and use them!
Leilani Rorani was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) in the 2001 New Year Honours for her significant services to squash. Leilani Rorani (formerly Joyce/nee Marsh) Reached the world number 1 Squash ranking, won the British Open in 1999 and 2000, and finished runner-up at the World Open in 2000 and 2001World Championships
Silver medal – second place 2000 Edinburgh Singles
Silver medal – second place 2001 Melbourne Singles
Bronze medal – third place 1999 Seattle Singles
World Games
Bronze medal – third place 1997 Lahti Singles
World Team Championships
Bronze medal – third place 1998 Stuttgart Team
Bronze medal – third place 2000 Sheffield Team
World Doubles Championships
Gold medal – first place 1997 Hong Kong Doubles
Commonwealth Games
Gold medal – first place 2002 Manchester Doubles
Gold medal – first place 2002 Manchester Mixed doubles
Post a Comment
Thank you for joining the discussion. Breaking Views welcomes respectful contributions that enrich the debate. Please ensure your comments are not defamatory, derogatory or disruptive. We appreciate your cooperation.