Rob Paterson: Māori Wards RORT - A Reversal of Democratic Principles

Michael Laws’ recent commentary “On the Rejection of Māori Wards” (13 October 2025), viewed by many viewers , signals how contentious this issue remains. However, unlike Don Brash ( Hobson’s Pledge 16 October 2025), I do not believe the recent outcome is cause for celebration.

Until 2021, only three councils in New Zealand had Māori wards:

Rob Paterson: Yes - Sovereignty Was Ceded

Legal Argument: Māori Chiefs Ceded Sovereignty to the British Crown in 1840

I. Introduction

This argument supports the position that the Māori signatories to the Treaty of Waitangi of 1840 knowingly ceded full sovereignty (kawanatanga) to the British Crown.

This conclusion is supported by:

Rob Paterson: Re-evaluating the Treaty of Waitangi - Unpacking the Myths and Realities

One Sovereignty, One Nation: The True Story and History of New Zealand

In recent discussions surrounding Māori rights and the Treaty of Waitangi, it’s crucial to separate reality from myth.

The narrative surrounding Māori claims, particularly in terms of sovereignty, partnership, and historical grievances, is often shaped by misunderstanding and misrepresentation. The truth, however, lies in examining the Treaty as it was signed in 1840, understanding the legal context of Māori claims, and rejecting the notion of separatism in favour of a unified New Zealand.

Rob Paterson: Ethnicity Anomalies

Many people are making valid protests about Waitangi claimants with very slight Maori bloodlines (ethnicity) and are looking for a formula on how to address this anomaly. Well here’s the solution; it’s called the Ethnicity Equalisation Scheme (EES).

Rob Paterson: Book Review - Roger Childs' New Zealand's History Curriculum

BOOK REVIEW: New Zealand’s History Curriculum - Education or Indoctrination? (186 pages)
Author: Roger Childs
Publisher : Tross Publishing (RRP $35)
Rating : Very Good
Target Audience: All concerned New Zealanders
Reviewer: Rob Paterson, Retired Lawyer, Tauranga

I am more than happy to provide this review and it is fair to say that I looked forward to the release of this book on the proposed New Zealand History curriculum. The contents of the book do not disappoint and the author, Roger Childs, is well qualified to address the subject, having spent many years in the education system and particularly as a teacher of history, geography, and social studies for over 40 years.

Rob Paterson: Regaining a nation; equality and democracy

This is yet another excellent effort by John Robinson, following on from his recent noteworthy books on culture and recent developments in New Zealand namely Dividing a Nation -The Return to Tikanga (2019) and He Puapua -Blueprint for Breaking up New Zealand (2021).

John Robinson is a prolific and respected writer/commentator on New Zealand History and associated issues and the standard of his work is as always of the highest calibre, well researched and properly referenced.

This book is for every Kiwi who is concerned about the welfare and future wellbeing of New Zealand as a functioning nation. It’s the country in which we live and of which we should all be very proud of our past achievements, heritage, fairness and equality.

Rob Paterson and Richard Prince: Rangiaowhia - myths and lies exposed

This book is factual, well researched with detailed accounts (including photos and maps) covering events at Rangiaowhia on 21st February 1864 (Waikato Maori Wars) and is long overdue. The mythmakers and activists have recently had a field day and held sway with their lies and mistruths surrounding this affray. The flight of fancy tale took root from Kingite Tamihana (not present), who was sore at being outflanked and outmanoeuvred by General Duncan Cameron hence concocting the tale of a “holocaust” which was taken up by one Rusden in 1883. Both accounts were widely refuted by eyewitnesses and the claims were completely discredited at that time.

In the book’s narrative, the author Piers Seed refutes and dismantles the false allegations completely. The book makes compelling reading and to the best of our knowledge is the fullest factual coverage of the events at Rangiaowhia ever published.

It follows from the book: –