Geoff Parker: From shelter to sovereignty?

K Gurunathan’s recent Post column praises marae for their role during recent North Island storms and condemns critics of Māori governance arrangements. What it avoids, however, is the uncomfortable but necessary distinction between community charity and political authority.

No one disputes that many marae opened their doors during emergencies, offering shelter, food, and care — just as churches, schools, clubs, and private citizens routinely do in times of crisis. Decency in an emergency is not unique to any culture, nor does it confer constitutional status.