NZCPR Newsletter: Coalition Promises

 

The Coalition Government says it is moving with speed to deliver campaign promises and reverse the damage done by Labour.

One of their key commitments is to “defend the principle that New Zealanders are equal before the law.” To achieve this, they have pledged they “will not advance policies that seek to ascribe different rights and responsibilities to New Zealanders on the basis of their race or ancestry.”

Clive Bibby: You can’t make this up! It’s all true!

It’s a funny old world although l’m not enjoying the crap l have to put up with every time l make a contribution to this debate about the justification for the introduction of Maori wards.

Since my Council’s decision to bypass the voters of this region in a flagrant exhibition of arrogance rarely seen in this community, l have tried to put the case for why this undemocratic move is not in the best interests of all the citizens of Tairawhiti - particularly those who claim Maori decent.

For my trouble l have been defamed by just about every activist who thinks those of us with an alternative point of view are some form of low life with no right to challenge the legitimacy of any Council decision.

Bob Edlin: Race-based wards to be introduced more easily

An election has taken place and the democratic will of the people must be respected, Nanaia Mahuta proclaimed yesterday.

As Minister of Foreign Affairs she proceeded to declare:

“We confirm our support for Myanmar’s democratic institutions and the rule of law.”

But as Minister of Local Government, Mahuta recently sacked the democratically elected members of the Tauranga City Council.  

And yesterday, in the same ministerial job, she set about rewriting the rules enabling voters in that city –  or any other local body area – to challenge the introduction of race-based Māori wards.

NZCPR Weekly: Repealing Democratic Rights

Dear NZCPR Reader,   

In this week’s NZCPR newsletter, we highlight the Government’s dangerous plan to repeal democratic safeguards put in place by Helen Clark’s Labour Government, our NZCPR Guest Commentator John Bain explains why he resigned from the Northland Regional Council over their decision to introduce Maori wards without consulting the community, and our poll asks whether you agree with Labour that local government petition rights should be repealed.

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