Post by Kiwi Frontline on Dec 7, 2020 17:19:44 GMT 12
Northern Advocate 7/12/20
Dear Editor,
A SOCIETY DIVIDED
In a perfect world, democratically elected representatives would respect democracy. That is not the case for the three Northland councils that voted to exclude the public from having a say about Maori wards.
Their stance was despite knowing the public would be opposed to their decision. They would be well aware that based on previous referendum around 75% of the public are against race based wards. Clearly the public know that separating people by race will divide families, neighbours, workplaces and communities. That's not want ordinary New Zealanders want.
Our local councillors seem to forget that its democracy that resolves differences and brings people together. Forgetting that truism comes with a very high price.
Some advocates for Maori wards hark back to milestone moments in history such as women gaining the vote in 1893. They don't seem to appreciate that give women an equal right to participate in a democracy. It was not about dividing people by their differences.
What the pro-Maori seats lobby wants is 50/50 governance. The Local Govt Workers’ Union clearly states those intentions. They say, “There’s a long way to go yet before Maori are seated equally at the table....” (Scoop 24 Nov)
GEOFF PARKER, Kamo
Northern Advocate 5/12/20
OPINION MATTERS
You know what I hate most about those who say the contentious issue of race-based seats on local councils should not be put to a vote. They think my opinion doesn't matter. Guess what. It does matter. My opinion matters - noless and no more than anyone else's opinion.
To deny others the right to have a say in a democracy is arrogant and very dangerous.
What's worse, our very own Northland Regional councillors, have not only voted against the public having a say, they have written to the Local Government Minister asking that she take away our right to demand a poll.
It seems our elected councillors trusted us to be wise when they were elected last year, but they don't trust us when they know the public challenges their decision about Maori constituencies.
I encourage everyone who is equally as disgusted as I am about this to sign the petition calling for a referendum on race-based seats. That way everyone can have a say and councillors will be reminded who they work for.
RAEWYN MESSHAM, Whangarei
www.kiwifrontline.nz/media/letters-to-the-editor
Dear Editor,
A SOCIETY DIVIDED
In a perfect world, democratically elected representatives would respect democracy. That is not the case for the three Northland councils that voted to exclude the public from having a say about Maori wards.
Their stance was despite knowing the public would be opposed to their decision. They would be well aware that based on previous referendum around 75% of the public are against race based wards. Clearly the public know that separating people by race will divide families, neighbours, workplaces and communities. That's not want ordinary New Zealanders want.
Our local councillors seem to forget that its democracy that resolves differences and brings people together. Forgetting that truism comes with a very high price.
Some advocates for Maori wards hark back to milestone moments in history such as women gaining the vote in 1893. They don't seem to appreciate that give women an equal right to participate in a democracy. It was not about dividing people by their differences.
What the pro-Maori seats lobby wants is 50/50 governance. The Local Govt Workers’ Union clearly states those intentions. They say, “There’s a long way to go yet before Maori are seated equally at the table....” (Scoop 24 Nov)
GEOFF PARKER, Kamo
Northern Advocate 5/12/20
OPINION MATTERS
You know what I hate most about those who say the contentious issue of race-based seats on local councils should not be put to a vote. They think my opinion doesn't matter. Guess what. It does matter. My opinion matters - noless and no more than anyone else's opinion.
To deny others the right to have a say in a democracy is arrogant and very dangerous.
What's worse, our very own Northland Regional councillors, have not only voted against the public having a say, they have written to the Local Government Minister asking that she take away our right to demand a poll.
It seems our elected councillors trusted us to be wise when they were elected last year, but they don't trust us when they know the public challenges their decision about Maori constituencies.
I encourage everyone who is equally as disgusted as I am about this to sign the petition calling for a referendum on race-based seats. That way everyone can have a say and councillors will be reminded who they work for.
RAEWYN MESSHAM, Whangarei
www.kiwifrontline.nz/media/letters-to-the-editor