Post by Kiwi Frontline on Nov 12, 2016 6:34:59 GMT 12
Waikato Times 12/11/16
LAND WARS DAY
Re: New Zealand war days set (Waikato Times, November 1).
It’s interesting in a country espousing peace that a commemoration of the New Zealand land wars in the 19th century would be considered to be a worthy undertaking. Surely, we have more than enough exposure to warfare and resulting destruction. Most people in New Zealand who have studied 19th century New Zealand history would be aware of the land wars. We commemorate the First and Second World Wars but to no avail. Warfare and racism continues worldwide.
There may even be lobbying to pursue a commemoration day as a statutory holiday. I’m sure the extra cost to employers will not be popular if that comes to pass. I often wonder if people who come up with these plans are actually aware of the real world and what it takes to manage a business, particularly now that the minimum wage has risen to $15.25.
Perhaps an alternative commemoration would be for all of the pre Maori peoples who came to these shores in peace over a period of 2000 years or more, as is being discovered. New Zealand has an ancient history but little is mentioned. As Rahui Papa said, "We must face up to the happenings of the past to prepare all of Aotearoa-New Zealand for a brighter more unified fixture." It's certainly questionable whether a Land Wars Day will improve the unity within the country.
P B
Hamilton,
Ontario Canada
Rotorua Daily Post 12/11/16
RMA BACKING 'BIZARRE'
In an attempt to shake the feeling of consternation as the reality of a Trump presidency sunk in, I browsed through local political headlines to reassure my-self that things are not so bad in Aotearoa. With most media busy reporting from Washington instead of Wellington, the news of RMA reforms unsurprisingly did not hit headlines.
But despite the absence of headlines, the negative impact of the reforms will still be felt by all. On Wednesday, the Maori Party reversed their previous position and are instead backing their National Party colleagues by supporting the Resource Legislation Amendment Bill, which other-wise would not have become law.
The bill strips legislative ability from local councils to make decisions in its own best interest, instead the bill concentrates power to a few central government elite. One amendment removes the option for local councils to receive a financial contribution from housing developers. It would he fairer for the council to retain this, instead of the option backed by the Maori Party, which could see the council be forced to increase rates for all residents to meet the additional infrastructure demand imposed by new developments.
Considering the Maori Party had a policy of changing taxation distribution to achieve equality, it is in my view bizarre that they would back a plan which sees wealthy developers make more profit while private residents pay more tax in the form of rates. But I guess in a world where the president of the USA is Donald Trump, anything is possible.
R G
Rotorua
Bay of Plenty Times 12/11/16
RMA OUTRAGE
Nick Smith, backed by the Maori Party, has announced changes to the RMA with the requirement for local councils to enter into agreements with iwi on how they can be involved in the resource management process.
David Parker (Labour) labels the changes as horrendous, and it is opposed by developers, environmental groups, the Law Society and others. Sir Geoffrey Palmer calls it a constitution al outrage.
The John Key-led National Government entrenches racism within our society by giving one race priority over other cultures. This they have done under cover of the brouhaha during the USA elections.
M J A
Pyes Pa
LAND WARS DAY
Re: New Zealand war days set (Waikato Times, November 1).
It’s interesting in a country espousing peace that a commemoration of the New Zealand land wars in the 19th century would be considered to be a worthy undertaking. Surely, we have more than enough exposure to warfare and resulting destruction. Most people in New Zealand who have studied 19th century New Zealand history would be aware of the land wars. We commemorate the First and Second World Wars but to no avail. Warfare and racism continues worldwide.
There may even be lobbying to pursue a commemoration day as a statutory holiday. I’m sure the extra cost to employers will not be popular if that comes to pass. I often wonder if people who come up with these plans are actually aware of the real world and what it takes to manage a business, particularly now that the minimum wage has risen to $15.25.
Perhaps an alternative commemoration would be for all of the pre Maori peoples who came to these shores in peace over a period of 2000 years or more, as is being discovered. New Zealand has an ancient history but little is mentioned. As Rahui Papa said, "We must face up to the happenings of the past to prepare all of Aotearoa-New Zealand for a brighter more unified fixture." It's certainly questionable whether a Land Wars Day will improve the unity within the country.
P B
Hamilton,
Ontario Canada
Rotorua Daily Post 12/11/16
RMA BACKING 'BIZARRE'
In an attempt to shake the feeling of consternation as the reality of a Trump presidency sunk in, I browsed through local political headlines to reassure my-self that things are not so bad in Aotearoa. With most media busy reporting from Washington instead of Wellington, the news of RMA reforms unsurprisingly did not hit headlines.
But despite the absence of headlines, the negative impact of the reforms will still be felt by all. On Wednesday, the Maori Party reversed their previous position and are instead backing their National Party colleagues by supporting the Resource Legislation Amendment Bill, which other-wise would not have become law.
The bill strips legislative ability from local councils to make decisions in its own best interest, instead the bill concentrates power to a few central government elite. One amendment removes the option for local councils to receive a financial contribution from housing developers. It would he fairer for the council to retain this, instead of the option backed by the Maori Party, which could see the council be forced to increase rates for all residents to meet the additional infrastructure demand imposed by new developments.
Considering the Maori Party had a policy of changing taxation distribution to achieve equality, it is in my view bizarre that they would back a plan which sees wealthy developers make more profit while private residents pay more tax in the form of rates. But I guess in a world where the president of the USA is Donald Trump, anything is possible.
R G
Rotorua
Bay of Plenty Times 12/11/16
RMA OUTRAGE
Nick Smith, backed by the Maori Party, has announced changes to the RMA with the requirement for local councils to enter into agreements with iwi on how they can be involved in the resource management process.
David Parker (Labour) labels the changes as horrendous, and it is opposed by developers, environmental groups, the Law Society and others. Sir Geoffrey Palmer calls it a constitution al outrage.
The John Key-led National Government entrenches racism within our society by giving one race priority over other cultures. This they have done under cover of the brouhaha during the USA elections.
M J A
Pyes Pa