I felt sad today to hear the lack of debate or input from National MPs on Maori representation on the Super City Bill. Are they whipped into subservience to Rodney Hide’s determination and will that Maori will not have a voice in governance on what will be the biggest local government entity in NZ? I sat in the house for six hours and only four MPs spoke in the debate while over 40 Labour MPs spoke out.
Rodney Hide has rolled the Maori Party in favour of Rodney ( literally ) and Maori participation doesn’t matter to this government. Roll on the 2010 local Body elections to be followed by the general election in 2011. Maori will continue to speak out and Auckland will be the losers!
perhaps they just want to move on and not play games with you in Parlnament?
This is the very information Maori need to be made aware of when it comess to voting next time.
Whilst most Maori have no expectations that National’s Maori MPs will support Maori needs, there is hope that the Maori Party will “be there” in some shape or form. Unfortunately (for Maori in particular), here’s another example of shameful behaviour from the Maori Party. When will they stop selling out Maori?
What do you expect Steve? They’re National Party MPs and debate would simply expose all of the flaws in their ill thought-out plans.
The more important question here is where are Labour’s Maori MPs? Making impassioned speeches in the House just does not cut it. Labour’s MPs need to get out there and be seen to be doing something in Auckland. At the moment, they’re missing in action.
jabba – move on? I’m sure that National Party MPs do want to move on, particularly those based in Auckland. Move on before their voters wake up and realise quite what an affront to democracy this hasty and ill-thought-out legislation really is!
Maori government MPs, sure, but I think we could ask a bigger question:
Where has the whole government gone?!
Play games in parliament? That’s the whole MO of this Tory government. Why is the House under urgency?
http://www.nzcpr.com/weekly196.htm
http://www.nzcpr.com/guest162.htm
Both interesting reads. Although I am sure it won’t take long for someone in here to call both articles Racist.
One more on the subject.
http://www.nzcpr.com/columist1.htm
A bit late in welcoming you to the blogosphere Steve, but so pleased you did. The perspective from the House is so important, and I know your voice will now be heard on many other issues.
Ok, rather than provision of Maori only councillor seats, why not create a community board (one of the 20 odd suggested) specifically for Maori? I sorta saw that as a positive kind of idea right from the kickoff, but it hasn’t been suggested, I’m wondering whether there’s some practical reason why not?
The Maori Government MPs are, instead of cowering away, sticking up to the constant racism in today’s society. They feel that Maori seats in the Super City is insulting and discriminating towards there race and I agree with them!