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.

Roger Childs: Jacinda, read the documents

The Māori Health Authority, Three Waters and Māori seats on councils were achievements Ardern said the Government was proud of. Ardern said she was “comfortable” the government was doing its best to fulfil obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi. –Will Trafford, New Zealand Herald, 10 January 2023

Honesty is the best policy

The prime minister needs to look carefully at the documents we have signed up to and need to honour, before she pats herself on the back for her divisive, dishonest and undemocratic policies. In 1840 the Crown agreed to Te Tiriti o Waitangi (Treaty of Waitangi) and in 1948 the then Labour Government signed The United Nations International Declaration of Human Rights. A few years ago a journalist asked Ardern if could recite a particular Article of the Treaty. She couldn’t.