David Farrar: So will they call the Supreme Court racist names now?

The Herald reports:

The Supreme Court has ruled the majority of the Court of Appeal “erred” in a major decision that ultimately eased the test for Māori to gain customary rights for use of the foreshore and seabed.

Stuart Smith: NZ Law Society and the ToW

Professional bodies have a crucial role in establishing standards of conduct and protecting the reputation of their respective professions. It is expected that their directives remain apolitical and do not infringe upon the freedom of their members to hold their own political views.

However, the recent proposal by the New Zealand Law Society to introduce a new statutory duty for lawyers to adhere to the “principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi” is a highly controversial and a politically motivated move. It appears to be driven by the influence of woke socialists who seek to advance their own agenda, rather than prioritise the best interests of the people they serve.

Denis Hall: Did you watch TV One News tonight?

My name is Denis Hall. I was born in New Zealand almost 81 years ago to European parents - also both born here - as were their parents and grandparents before them. We were pioneers.

On the day I was born my father was training to serve in the Army for this country in World War Two - and as a result of that Hitler decided it was an auspicious day to invade Russia.

Oh - and my mother tongue happens to be ENGLISH - with a touch of French and Irish back in the day.

If I were to consider learning another language - it would be French - or Chinese. I can already speak Irish - especially if I’m in an Irish mood.

I must be a cunning linguist.

I would like to learn French because I love the sound of it - and would love to be able to speak it - and know how to speak through my nose just like the French do ….. Oh bugger - is that racist to say that?

Garrick Tremain: On renaming government departments

Here is Garrick Tremain's cartoon commentary on new Maori names for government departments

Fiona Mackenzie: Bullies Cleverly Shut Down Debate

Identity politics is a pervasive trend. The extent of it in promoting political causes and preventing freedom of speech was recently brought to my attention by an excellent article in The Australian newspaper - “Stifled by the Party Line” by Dan Ryan (30/1/13). Having lived in China, Mr Ryan compared the way the Chinese Communist Party squashes criticism with the techniques used by other groups to shut down intelligent debate.