Post by Kiwi Frontline on Feb 15, 2019 4:21:05 GMT 12
Dominion Post 15/2/19
WCC ON DANGEROUS PATH
Ratepayers have no idea why the council decided to make the city bilingual by 2040 (Foster opposes to reo only, Feb 14).
Less than 10 per cent of the population are likely to identify as Maori, and some 2 per cent of the population speak the Maori language fluently.
This is a multicultural city where the English language is essential for every aspect of daily life, except for an even smaller percentage of the population.
Councillor Jill Day justifies the policy saying "it actually allows us to celebrate the culture and heritage that we have in this city".
She is on shaky ground comparing the predominant British and European cultures of the city with the Maori culture, to support the claim that the Maori contribution requires that the city be bilingual.
She says later "when Wellington was named, I'm pretty sure the Maori community wasn't consulted on that".
The city owes its existence and prosperity primarily, even solely, to its English colonists.
Maori place names have a role, but should not subvert the names of contributors to its growth.
A street name in both the Maori and English languages would be a foolish compromise.
The council is on a dangerous path. Non-Maori have pride in their ancestors too.
MIKE WILLIAMS, Tawa
Hawkes Bay Today 15/2/19
BRITISH GAVE MAORI THE BEST DEAL THEY EVER OFFERED
The British were not the most benevolent people when it came to colonising other countries, but neither were they stupid.
Maori were given the best deal ever offered to a prospective colony.
It was not negotiated with a Maori nation but a vast number of tribes at war with each other and in danger of extinction.
To accept that the British would enter a partnership with all these divided tribes is ridiculous.
Maori were assured equal rights withalL British citizens while renouncing sovereign authority.
While acknowledging there were many breaches of the Treaty, these are being addressed and settlements must become full and final so we can all become one people—New Zealanders.
MURRAY CHRISTISON Napier
Taranaki Daily News 15/2/19
HOW MANY TIMES SHOULD CHONG APOLOGISE?
The Daily News (February 13) has front page article regarding Murray Chong not turning up at a meeting to apologise the second time for a comment he truthfully made in answer to a question.
Today, the 14th, we have a front-page repeat and I am sure the Daily News has plenty of ammo for worthy front-page news.
How many times do you expect Murray to apologise, and what for? He was asked a question, and he answered. Was he expected to be a hypocrite and tell a lie because a truthful answer might upset those who search to be upset at the least excuse, along with the snowflakes and cry-babies that seem so prevalent today?
I would like to have seen the mayor show some leadership, not bow to a vocal few and not entertain the second apology. Keep this up and we could well have another one-term mayor.
The deputy mayor could show some pride in his local patch and arrange for the northern "Welcome to Inglewood" area to be tidied up. For months it has not been a good look.
We saw the media, which seems to delight in dragging this type of news out way past its use-by date, make a mountain over the Hawera Lions float recently with numerous apologies the Lions and other were "seemingly required" to make, with very few praising the Lions for what they do for the community in their own spare time. Do we have a repeat coming?
Keep this type of criticism up and soon top class councillors like Murray Chong, and Service Clubs like the Lions, will say stuff it, I don't need this and am outta here.
BRUCE RAYNER Inglewood
STICK TO THE CORE BUSINESS PLEASE,
New Plymouth Council, get a grip on what is important. Why is Murray Chong continuously being vilified? He has apologised. Drop it.
We still live in a country where we have a free will, and if anyone doesn't feel comfortable doing something, then that is their right.
Mr Hadley pushed Murray Chong's chair back and threw his name badge. I for one think he should apologise for his disrespect of Mr Chong and the council chamber.
If you were someone who was trying to come to terms with a terminal illness, this childish behaviour would be put in its proper perspective.
Stop trying to bully a councillor into doing it your way. Stick to the core business of running this city for the benefit of New Plymouth and its people, not the egos of councillors and mayor.
W A WEST New Plymouth
sites.google.com/site/kiwifrontline/letters-submitted-to-newspapers
WCC ON DANGEROUS PATH
Ratepayers have no idea why the council decided to make the city bilingual by 2040 (Foster opposes to reo only, Feb 14).
Less than 10 per cent of the population are likely to identify as Maori, and some 2 per cent of the population speak the Maori language fluently.
This is a multicultural city where the English language is essential for every aspect of daily life, except for an even smaller percentage of the population.
Councillor Jill Day justifies the policy saying "it actually allows us to celebrate the culture and heritage that we have in this city".
She is on shaky ground comparing the predominant British and European cultures of the city with the Maori culture, to support the claim that the Maori contribution requires that the city be bilingual.
She says later "when Wellington was named, I'm pretty sure the Maori community wasn't consulted on that".
The city owes its existence and prosperity primarily, even solely, to its English colonists.
Maori place names have a role, but should not subvert the names of contributors to its growth.
A street name in both the Maori and English languages would be a foolish compromise.
The council is on a dangerous path. Non-Maori have pride in their ancestors too.
MIKE WILLIAMS, Tawa
Hawkes Bay Today 15/2/19
BRITISH GAVE MAORI THE BEST DEAL THEY EVER OFFERED
The British were not the most benevolent people when it came to colonising other countries, but neither were they stupid.
Maori were given the best deal ever offered to a prospective colony.
It was not negotiated with a Maori nation but a vast number of tribes at war with each other and in danger of extinction.
To accept that the British would enter a partnership with all these divided tribes is ridiculous.
Maori were assured equal rights withalL British citizens while renouncing sovereign authority.
While acknowledging there were many breaches of the Treaty, these are being addressed and settlements must become full and final so we can all become one people—New Zealanders.
MURRAY CHRISTISON Napier
Taranaki Daily News 15/2/19
HOW MANY TIMES SHOULD CHONG APOLOGISE?
The Daily News (February 13) has front page article regarding Murray Chong not turning up at a meeting to apologise the second time for a comment he truthfully made in answer to a question.
Today, the 14th, we have a front-page repeat and I am sure the Daily News has plenty of ammo for worthy front-page news.
How many times do you expect Murray to apologise, and what for? He was asked a question, and he answered. Was he expected to be a hypocrite and tell a lie because a truthful answer might upset those who search to be upset at the least excuse, along with the snowflakes and cry-babies that seem so prevalent today?
I would like to have seen the mayor show some leadership, not bow to a vocal few and not entertain the second apology. Keep this up and we could well have another one-term mayor.
The deputy mayor could show some pride in his local patch and arrange for the northern "Welcome to Inglewood" area to be tidied up. For months it has not been a good look.
We saw the media, which seems to delight in dragging this type of news out way past its use-by date, make a mountain over the Hawera Lions float recently with numerous apologies the Lions and other were "seemingly required" to make, with very few praising the Lions for what they do for the community in their own spare time. Do we have a repeat coming?
Keep this type of criticism up and soon top class councillors like Murray Chong, and Service Clubs like the Lions, will say stuff it, I don't need this and am outta here.
BRUCE RAYNER Inglewood
STICK TO THE CORE BUSINESS PLEASE,
New Plymouth Council, get a grip on what is important. Why is Murray Chong continuously being vilified? He has apologised. Drop it.
We still live in a country where we have a free will, and if anyone doesn't feel comfortable doing something, then that is their right.
Mr Hadley pushed Murray Chong's chair back and threw his name badge. I for one think he should apologise for his disrespect of Mr Chong and the council chamber.
If you were someone who was trying to come to terms with a terminal illness, this childish behaviour would be put in its proper perspective.
Stop trying to bully a councillor into doing it your way. Stick to the core business of running this city for the benefit of New Plymouth and its people, not the egos of councillors and mayor.
W A WEST New Plymouth
sites.google.com/site/kiwifrontline/letters-submitted-to-newspapers