Post by Kiwi Frontline on Dec 7, 2017 16:42:45 GMT 12
HAROLD MANIAPOTO: 'WE HAVE A RIGHT, ACCORDING TO THE LAW, TO HAVE A SEAT'
Powerful words were used to illustrate disappointment at Waipa District Council's decision to deny Māori a ward at the next election.
Harold Maniapoto, a member of the council's Iwi Consultative Committee, described it as "a tragedy".
He spoke about the matter to the committee when it met on Wednesday.
He suggested other committee members were also disappointed at the decision.
"We have a right, according to the law, to have a seat," Maniapoto said.
"But non-Māori voted that we should not have that seat. Our democratic right has been undermined something terrible."
"But what I'm pointing out here is a great injustice has been done. Not to Māori, but to citizens of New Zealand - both Pākehā and Māori.
"Your view is your view, and your right is your right, but denying someone else their democratic rights in their own country - I think that's a tragedy."......
www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/life-style/99596329/harold-maniapoto-we-have-a-right-according-to-the-law-to-have-a-seat
Powerful words were used to illustrate disappointment at Waipa District Council's decision to deny Māori a ward at the next election.
Harold Maniapoto, a member of the council's Iwi Consultative Committee, described it as "a tragedy".
He spoke about the matter to the committee when it met on Wednesday.
He suggested other committee members were also disappointed at the decision.
"We have a right, according to the law, to have a seat," Maniapoto said.
"But non-Māori voted that we should not have that seat. Our democratic right has been undermined something terrible."
"But what I'm pointing out here is a great injustice has been done. Not to Māori, but to citizens of New Zealand - both Pākehā and Māori.
"Your view is your view, and your right is your right, but denying someone else their democratic rights in their own country - I think that's a tragedy."......
www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/life-style/99596329/harold-maniapoto-we-have-a-right-according-to-the-law-to-have-a-seat
