Geoff Parker: Equality Is Not Racism, and Disagreement Is Not an Attack on Democracy

Metiria Turei's paywalled column in the Otago Daily Times 21/8/26, Hypocrisy and racism abounds in Parliament, is a familiar exercise in political inversion.

According to Turei, opposition to Māori electorates, criticism of Māori-specific policies, and attempts to restore the same democratic rules for all New Zealanders are evidence of hypocrisy, racism and an assault on constitutional democracy.

Bob Edlin: Greens set out to change the electoral laws....

Greens set out to change the electoral laws to improve the privileges (or “enhance” the voting choices) of Māori

Perhaps because she is not too flash at winning elections by attracting sufficient votes, the Green Party’s Hūhana Lyndon is aiming to stack the deck in favour of Māori politicians and voters.

The Green Party today announced a member’s bill, in her name, to entrench Māori seats in law.

Dr Don Brash: Maori Wards? Maori electorates? Away with them all

The Coalition Agreements which the National Party reached with the ACT and New Zealand First parties oblige the new Government to “restore the right to local referendum on the establishment or ongoing use of Maori wards, including requiring a referendum on any wards established without referendum at the next local body elections”. The wording is identical in both agreements.