Northland, New Zealand, 26 March 2009. We refer to the Presentation of Reports from the Advisory Committee, the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and the Forum on Minority Issues.

The Human Rights Council took up its agenda item on human rights situations that require the attention of the Council, hearing from a series of States and non-governmental organizations of violations of human rights in countries all over the world.

As we will celebrate the International Day of the World's Indigenous People on the up and coming 9th August this year 2009, the focus of attention will turn to many of these most marginalized and subjugated peoples.

As we stand at the brink of this historic decision by the General Assembly, whereby member states of the United Nations adopted the Declaration and thereby establish a universal framework for indigenous peoples' rights, social justice and reconciliation. The effective implementation of the Declaration would test the commitment of States and the whole international community to protect respect and fulfil indigenous peoples’ collective and individual human rights. “All Governments, the UN system, indigenous peoples and civil society at large must rise to the historic task before us and make the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples a living document for the common future of humanity,”

The United Nations (UN) General Assembly adopted the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples on 13th September 2007. The Declaration provides minimum standards of protection for the rights and well-being of indigenous peoples around the world. Its adoption by the General Assembly was described by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights as "a triumph for justice and human dignity", and by the General Assembly President as a "major step forward towards the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all".

One hundred and forty three UN member states voted in favor of the Declaration - the New Zealand Labour Government was one of only four that voted against it. It is now one of only three governments that continue to oppose it – this extraordinary behavior by a government that described itself as "a firm and principled defender of human rights. The former Labour Government Leader Helen Clark is currently portraying herself as a "credible and committed" candidate for election to the UN Human Rights Council. Unfortunately it is unlikely that the New Zealand government will be among those supporting the adoption of the Declaration, as they remain foremost among the few states intent on amending the text to a point where it becomes essentially meaningless - if they have their way, rather being a means to recognize and protect indigenous peoples' rights, it will restrict and define them as substantially less than the rights of others.

“We Maori PEOPLE” hereby submit, Grounds for Objection to the Appointment of Helen Clarke withing the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

We, the Maori People of New Zealand do not understand the term “Recognition of the Crowns Sovereign Rights”. We refer to the declaration of independence 28th October 1835, which was signed by the council of Sovereign hereditary Chiefs of the tribes and the representative of the British Monarchy. This document recognised and affirmed the Sovereignty of Maori in New Zealand in accordance with International Law. In recognition of the excessive behaviour of the colonial settlers of the day the British found it expedient to set up a rule of law. British foreign policy at the time was not to rule over the natives but rather to set up a settler government. Therefore a Treaty was signed by Maori and the British which gave them the right to establish their own government for their people, this document was signed 6th February 1840. However it was not until 1852 that the incorporation was setup in the United Kingdom and was named the New Zealand Government, which after elections, took power as the first settler government in 1856. Since then successive Government’s have established themselves as the dominate power and the dominate culture. Conversely, its partner (The Maori People) are not even recognised as a Maori Nation and who’s Sovereignty seems not to be recognised by even the junior representatives of the Crown let alone the New Zealand Government.

We, the Maori People have objections to Helen Clark being appointed to head the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). This opposition is based on the following unjust acts and violations of Maori Indigenous Rights. Including The United Nations (UN) General Assembly adoption of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples dated 13th September 2007. Which highlight the unjust acts perpetrated by the, Helen Clarke led Labour Government. Historically the party has seemed to champion Maori rights until the last 30 years or so. Notably there has been a decline over the past 30 years which has built up to the current state culminating in a series of oppressive and unjust polices and acts which has led to the demise of the Helen Clark led, Labour Government 2008.

6. Opposition to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, by the Helen Clark led Labour government.

The Declaration is a visionary step towards addressing the human rights of indigenous peoples. It sets out a framework on which states can build or re-build their relationships with indigenous peoples. The result of more than two decades of negotiations, it provides a momentous opportunity for states and indigenous peoples to strengthen their relationships, promote reconciliation, and ensure that the past is not repeated. I encourage Member States and indigenous peoples to come together in a spirit of mutual respect, and make use of the Declaration as the living document it is so that it has a real and positive effect throughout the world." – Ban Ki-moon, UN Secretary General.

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