Post by Kiwi Frontline on Dec 28, 2016 7:18:21 GMT 12
Waikato Times 28/12/16
LAND WARS DAY
Bryan Johnson (Letters, December 20) questions the Key Government’s support for a Land Wars commemoration and its impact on race relations and sees a continuation under Bill English.
One thing that has me bemused and should be asked of the Government is why the demanded "Land Wars" commemoration is only, it seems, being discussed with and by iwi. Of the approximately 3000 who died in these wars, some 1000 were British soldiers and militia. It seems their descendants are not being consulted.
My forebears arrived in 1841 and some lost their lives in the Waikato and Taranaki wars. No one has approached me or my family.
Maori Development Minister Te Ururoa Flavell said he has secured $4 million over four years to support the commemorations, to be known as "Raa Maumahara National Day of Commemoration". I have the unease this money will used only by iwi for history revision and so to weave a new korowai of victimhood to improve their ideological interests and financial position.
If the wider public, and particularly the descendants of early settlers, are not involved and their views included, then these so-called commemorations will, like Waitangi Day, become another day of ugliness and division.
R P
Tauranga
The Press 27/12/16 (In a few words section)
AN ANTHEM FOR US ALL
Richard Harman (Dec 24) suggests Poi E as our new national anthem. Has it occurred to him that this song has no English words, as well as there being many who would find it difficult to begin learning an anthem that would have no meaning for them? Then there are those whose first language is not English and who would struggle to learn words in yet another language, unless Richard is proposing to rewrite the lyrics.
V S
Halswell
The Press 26/12/16 (fIn a few words section)
KAIKOURA HARBOUR COST
Ngai Tahu, which runs Whale Watch, flies under a charity banner and does not pay tax. It should contribute towards the cost of dredging Kaikoura harbour.
N F
South Brighton
LAND WARS DAY
Bryan Johnson (Letters, December 20) questions the Key Government’s support for a Land Wars commemoration and its impact on race relations and sees a continuation under Bill English.
One thing that has me bemused and should be asked of the Government is why the demanded "Land Wars" commemoration is only, it seems, being discussed with and by iwi. Of the approximately 3000 who died in these wars, some 1000 were British soldiers and militia. It seems their descendants are not being consulted.
My forebears arrived in 1841 and some lost their lives in the Waikato and Taranaki wars. No one has approached me or my family.
Maori Development Minister Te Ururoa Flavell said he has secured $4 million over four years to support the commemorations, to be known as "Raa Maumahara National Day of Commemoration". I have the unease this money will used only by iwi for history revision and so to weave a new korowai of victimhood to improve their ideological interests and financial position.
If the wider public, and particularly the descendants of early settlers, are not involved and their views included, then these so-called commemorations will, like Waitangi Day, become another day of ugliness and division.
R P
Tauranga
The Press 27/12/16 (In a few words section)
AN ANTHEM FOR US ALL
Richard Harman (Dec 24) suggests Poi E as our new national anthem. Has it occurred to him that this song has no English words, as well as there being many who would find it difficult to begin learning an anthem that would have no meaning for them? Then there are those whose first language is not English and who would struggle to learn words in yet another language, unless Richard is proposing to rewrite the lyrics.
V S
Halswell
The Press 26/12/16 (fIn a few words section)
KAIKOURA HARBOUR COST
Ngai Tahu, which runs Whale Watch, flies under a charity banner and does not pay tax. It should contribute towards the cost of dredging Kaikoura harbour.
N F
South Brighton