Next Thursday we have a public holiday to “celebrate” 180 years since the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. Unlike the USA which every July 4 celebrates the Declaration of Independence without reservation, Kiwis have mixed feelings about the meaning of our national day.
Some Maori believe they still haven’t got justice. Many non-Maori feel threatened by Maori claims for what is seen as “extra rights”. They are not prepared to say what they think because they fear being demonised like the Hobson Pledge group, which quite rightly is concerned about undermining the integrity of our democratic fabric.
This is a pity because it was a remarkable event – a powerful colonial power elects to negotiate a treaty with the chiefs of the indigenous population, instead of simply declaring it a colony and establishing direct rule. This contrasts with Australia where the indigenous Aboriginals were treated as virtually irrelevant.
View original post 627 more words
Utopia, you are standing in it! 
Recent Comments