Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Gordon Campbell | Parliament TV | Parliament Today | News Video | Crime | Employers | Housing | Immigration | Legal | Local Govt. | Maori | Welfare | Unions | Youth | Search

 

Ihumatao: Real solutions needed for mana whenua

Ihumatao: Real solutions needed for mana whenua

Tonight the All Blacks play South Africa and I’m reminded of the stance against apartheid and the fight for our own rights. Between the 1940s and 1960s in this country, selectors passed over Maori players; complying with the South African apartheid regime, in order to play a game of rugby.

Too often we have double standards where Maori issues and Maori people are relegated to the back. Mana whenua are told that the system can’t produce a solution to purchase private land but it can pull money out of thin air to buy back guns or feed an underperforming bureaucracy.

On Friday, Maori Party President, Che Wilson witnessed first hand the spirit of Ihumatao that is drawing support from across the land. He noted that “This is a chance to correct the wrongs of the Crown afflicted against all mana whenua interests at Ihumatao. I urge the Prime Minister to front up and feel the wairua of Ihumatao. This is not a time to select winners and losers; to pick a corporate developer over the diverse interests of tangata whenua as they are being expressed.”

Mr Wilson was particularly disappointed at the condescending caution being issued to the rangatahi to “demonstrate respect”. “By going to Ihumātao she would understand better that there are deep-seated concerns expressed by a growing number of our young leaders across this community. A democratic society allows all the voices to be heard. It is important not to judge from the sidelines of our positions of privilege; kotahitanga only occurs when you respect the rights and provide space for the voices of all; not just the chosen few”.

Mr Wilson visited Ihumatao on Friday and was there till early hours of this morning. “The wairua reflects peace and love and our nation could learn so much from the way the whanau at Ihumatao are portraying themselves.” When the government turns up, “let’s hope they can work with all the key players to achieve real solutions for all mana whenua” states Wilson.

ENDS

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines


Gordon Campbell: On The US Opposition To Mortgage Interest Deductibility For Landlords


Should landlords be able to deduct the interest on the loans they take out to bankroll their property speculation? The US Senate Budget Committee and Bloomberg News don't think this is a good idea, for reasons set out below. Regardless, our coalition government has been burning through a ton of political capital by giving landlords a huge $2.9 billion tax break via interest deductibility, while still preaching the need for austerity to the disabled, and to everyone else...
More


 
 

Government: Concerns Conveyed To China Over Cyber Activity
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has confirmed New Zealand’s concerns about cyber activity have been conveyed directly to the Chinese Government. “The Prime Minister and Minister Collins have expressed concerns today about malicious cyber activity... More

ALSO:


Government: GDP Decline Reinforces Government’s Fiscal Plan

Declining GDP for the December quarter reinforces the importance of restoring fiscal discipline to public spending and driving more economic growth, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says... More

ALSO:


Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.