February 3, 2011
News Statement
Republic of New Zealand Party
For Immediate Release

A Constitution Supersedes The Treaty

Waitangi Day prompts questions about New Zealanders rights and privileges into the future says the Republic of New Zealand Party.

The Party Leader, Kerry Bevin, and Constitutional Affairs spokesman, Wayne Hawkins, claim that partnership under the Treaty is pulling Maori and non-Maori apart.

“This platform for separation creates racial tensions working counter to the equality of all citizens in a multi-cultural society.”

Maori claiming unelected representation on Super city council committees, under the partnership principle is clearly undemocratic and a privilege not constitutional in modern governance.

Maori should stand as candidates like everyone else, the Republicans said.

With most Maori on the General Roll, we are moving forward to unity as New Zealanders. Reconciliation of grievances should be hastened, but separate Maori seats in Parliament should go.

“We are all kiwis whose cultures and traditions deserve equal respect. We are one nation but different peoples,” the Republicans said.

Republic of New Zealand Party policy is to help develop a constitution that supersedes the Treaty, protects values that unify our nation, creates citizens as equals and promotes human rights.

The Party will be making submissions to the Constitution Review Committee.

ENDS

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Arguably Reassuring: Inspector-General Finds GCSB "Arguably" Legal

Of the 88 individuals:

• 15 cases involving 22 individuals did not have any information intercepted by GCSB.

• another four cases involving five individuals were the subjects of a New Zealand Security Intelligence Service warrant and the GCSB assisted in the execution of the warrants. The Inspector-General is of the view that there were arguably no breaches and the law is unclear.

• the Bureau only provided technical assistance which did not involve interception of communications, involving three of the individuals, so no breach occurred.

• the remaining cases involved the collection of metadata, and the Inspector-General formed the view that there had arguably been no breach, noting once again that the law is unclear.
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