John Robinson: A statement that negates itself - the meaningless and contradictory UNDRIP

The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (a “non-binding, aspirational declaration of the General Assembly of the United Nations”)[1] has been proclaimed as a basis for providing legitimacy for the further separation of New Zealand into two peoples, two races.[2] 

This has formed a key part of the framework for a complete transformation of our system of government.  Following the He Puapua report to Government, in July 2021 the Minister for Maori Development in the Jacinda Ardern Labour government, Willie Jackson, announced “the next steps in developing a national plan to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples”.   The process followed was based on a separation, with overarching rights to Maori.  “Government will consult with Maori over the next few months before engaging with the wider public on indigenous rights, in the wake of He Puapua controversy.”[3]  The discussion was not to ask whether we want separation by race – that was set down as a basic requirement for the future, and the process was organised to provide greater rights to Maori.

Richard Prebble: Race, the treaty, co-governance and representative democracy

“Is he a racist like you” asked my seven year old moko.

We were watching a CNN news item about President Biden.

Shocked, I asked “Why do you say that?”

“Is the President of America white?” he said. “White people are racist”.

I explained President Biden is white but he is not a racist. Our discussion revealed my grandson has no idea what is a racist. Perhaps he heard Mr. Tuku Morgan of the Iwi Leaders Forum on TV saying “the attack dogs of the National party and Act as they fan the flames of racism and anti-Māori sentiments”.