Labour MP wants to be sworn in, in Samoan
December 5th, 2008 at 2:34 pm by David FarrarHow weird. Labour MP Sua William Sio is kicking up a fuss because he isn’t allowed to be sworn in, in Samoan.
If you are an MP in the Greek Parliament, would you be able to be sworn in, in French? Of course not.
NZ has three official language – English, Maori and Sign Language. I don’t know why he thought any other language would be permissable.
Also on the ZB report:
He says he is going to Parliament not just as an MP for Mangere, but for all Samoans and it is the second most spoken language in his electorate.
When did all the Samoans in NZ get together and appoint Sua as their MP? Is he claiming to represent all the other Pacific Island MPs also?
December 5th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
A new record – overweening arrogance, inflated self-importance and ridiculous hubris even before being sworn as an MP. Obviously a candidate chosen for his humility and willingness to get his head down and work on the important issues.
He says he wants, as an alternative, to be sworn in in Maori so people realise “English isn’t the only language spoken in NZ”. Gee, with NZ being a world leader in its integration of its indigenous language into public life and culture, I’d have thought we already knew that.
But hey, if there’s a self-aggrandising headline to be had out of sticking it to whitey, you go for it, bro.
Vote:December 5th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
I have no idea what this post is about, I stopped reading at “Labour MP wants…”
Had 9 years too much of that crap already. Whoever it is can get fucked.
Vote:December 5th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
Rex, not only that … “overweening arrogance, inflated self-importance and ridiculous hubris even before being sworn in as a back-bench opposition MP”
Vote:December 5th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
They should give him his answer in New Zealand sign language. Middle finger extended in an upright position.
Vote:December 5th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
Yes well obviously some of the Socilaists havent yet figured out as in the words of their former deputy leader
We won You lost Eat that
Vote:December 5th, 2008 at 3:17 pm
Maybe he doesn’t know what country he got elected in?
Vote:December 5th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
Did anyone read the draft of our new NZ curriculum? It claimed that we had just two official languages: Maori and sign language, and then went on to concede that because of the widespread convention of the use of English that it too should be seen as an acceptable language for use in schools.
Vote:December 5th, 2008 at 3:42 pm
Someone get this guy a copy of the election results, those days are over.
And getsaffed, if English is an “acceptable language for use in schools” do you think it might be nice if they tried actually TEACHING it?
Vote:December 5th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
Of course he would demand samoan. That is the namby pamby culture we have in this country now.
I say, revoke his work permit and send him and his family back to the islands where they can speak as much samoan as they care to.
Vote:December 5th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
How long before this guy gets Taito in front of his name
Vote:December 5th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
It really is perfect. Stuff like this will just build on JK’s teams success.
Samoan Boy. Go Home, to be with the Coconuts.
Vote:December 5th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
“Go Home, to be with the Coconuts.”
Ummm – not that I’m sticking up for Sua William Sio (we’re not Babel here), but THIS has got to be out of line. For one thing, it is a legal requirement that an MP be a NZ citizen. So this is his home. Wreck1080 – you might like to think on this too.
Vote:December 5th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
“He says people need to realise that English is not the only spoken language in New Zealand.”
You mean to tell me English is not the only spoken language in New Zealand?
I have now realised this.
Vote:December 5th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
Explain Dynhoven then.
Vote:December 5th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
“I don’t know why he thought any other language would be permissable.”
“overweening arrogance, inflated self-importance and ridiculous hubris”
Or maybe he just didn’t know the options were English or Maori?
“I say, revoke his work permit and send him and his family back to the islands”
Vote:“Samoan Boy. Go Home, to be with the Coconuts”
Jesus f*cking christ. You’d think this was KKK-blog or something…
December 5th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
Home is where the heart is.
To quote an accounting standard.
NIFO
LIFO
or
FIFO
I prefer the latter.
Fit In or Fuck Off.
Where on an immigration application does it say that you must be conversant in Maori, let
alone Samoan.
Vote:December 5th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
Murray – you mean me?
Duynhoven was (and is) a NZ citizen. He reapplied for his Dutch passport while sitting as an MP. This triggered a provision in the Electoral Act 1993 that vacated his seat. Labour rushed through under urgency legislation that retrospectively undid that trigger (i.e. suspended the law with past effect). This was constitutionally a highly dubious move (to put it mildly – others will put it more strongly … cue outraged howls of “treason!!! Socialists!!! Lefty thieves!!!).
That explain it to you?
Vote:December 5th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
Jesus f*cking christ. You’d think this was KKK-blog or something…
Er No, very happy for assimilation. This is positive discrimination, and you obviously like the fact that division, and suspicion should subvert the main culture here.
FFS he can do what he wants. Speak Samoan to whoever he wants, but insists on taking an Oath in his Mother tongue.
You really are sad and pathetic. And no doubt very young, and certainly very opinionated.
If you want to espouse your Socialist Dogma, fuck off back to the Stranded without cash!!
Vote:December 5th, 2008 at 4:06 pm
“And no doubt very young, and certainly very opinionated.”
Yes. Only the elderly should have opinions. And heaven forfend that the world should change in any way, shape or form that does not correlate to those opinions. Which are correct now and forever. And ever. Until time itself ends. Thus let it be.
Vote:December 5th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
NZ has three official languages – English, Maori and Sign Language
Wrong, DPF. It has two official languages – Maori and sign language. English is not an official language in NZ. So Samoan is as an official a language in this country as English.
Vote:December 5th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
Ever had a real job AG?
Ever employed people?
Ever been in the real world?
Ever actually had an opinion of your own, and not a lecturer, or parent?
Ever thought about leaving us alone to our Victory, and Joy in being able to scoff at your malaise.
Vote:December 5th, 2008 at 4:15 pm
Er sorry Dave, but why is English the actual requirement for immigration purposes?
Is that because Maori has no World relevance.
Vote:December 5th, 2008 at 4:19 pm
GM,
People who harp on about “the real world” inevitably have a fantasy land in mind, where everything conforms to “how I think it should be”. Yours, I suspect, is old, white and not very bright.
And who is this “us”? Can I join your super secret fun club? Do you have little secret passwords and play super cool games?
Vote:December 5th, 2008 at 4:30 pm
It is somewhat of an interesting idea for MP’s to be sworn in by languages they feel closer towards. However when one begins to think of difficulties which could arise, it becomes somewhat more of a novelty thought. At the moment I believe it is quite appropriate to have both Maori and English as options (is sign language also an option?).
@Glutaemus Maximus-
Vote:Firstly before I begin this, I want it to be clear that I do not agree Ratbiters comparison to the KKK. It is in my view a very dirty and cheap tactic to use which only served to undermine their view. However the problem I found with your comment was your assertion that assimilation is a positive thing. As far as I am aware most (if not all) cases of assimilation has led to the people being assimilated being over represented in the negative statistics. It has commonly had quite a negative effect on them.
December 5th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
For the actual legal position on this issue, see:
http://norightturn.blogspot.com/2008/12/swearing-in-samoan.html
Feel free to take or leave the commentary (yes, yes, I know … socialist/lefty/PC/yadda yadda yadda).
Vote:December 5th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
Yes AG,
Boarding School. No reality,
University. No Reality.
Royal Marines. No reality there for sure.
Working in Insurance in London for two years with Jewish South Africans. No reality there.
Getting to a point of buying a company for x selling this medium sized business with 380 staff for 10,000x. Rather a lot of Reality.
Travelled to every Continent except SA, and AN.
About to buy back my old business at 1/10th of what I got. Really unreal. But hey, I bow to your superior educashun and worldly experience.
As was always said in the RN, empty vessels make the most noise.
Still I have my collection of new and vintage Porsche to keep me amused.
Vote:December 5th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
GM,
Nothing too surprising there. Nor, despite your obvious self-satisfaction, anything all that impressive.
But as you’ve bowed to me, I’ll let it all pass.
Oh .. but … “As was always said in the RN, empty vessels make the most noise.” You’ve got 914 posts to your name. I’ve now got 60. QED?
Vote:December 5th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
Yes, I really wanted to stop at 911.
Now let me guess, you have what to be self-satisfied about? What have you done that would impress me.
60 posts on our super secret club, with super handshakes, and super games doesn’t count.
Hey one day I will let you have a hot lap in a GT3.
But you probably don’t drive, and have a crappy old bicycle.
Wellingtonian? Just had to move offices? Got a degree from a toy town UNI in NZ?
Vote:December 5th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
why is English the actual requirement for immigration purposes?
Vote:Ummm… probably because most people speak it here, perhaps. Yes, that is what it would be. Doesn’t make English an official language, though.
December 5th, 2008 at 4:58 pm
So semantics then?
Lonely Planet, and Rough Guide kind of disagree with you.
Defence Forces? Courts? Parliament? Police? CAA? AA? Civil Service? etc ad infinitum. ad nauseam.
All doing things behind officials backs?
Give me a break. You sir are a looney!
Vote:December 5th, 2008 at 5:00 pm
Glutaemus Maximus – The trouble I have with that is, none of the people I’ve ever met who have achieved that level of business success or level of nice possessions, ever seems to brag about it like you do above. Hence it all sounds somehow a bit hollow to me.
Do you keep your collection of Porsches in a garage, or on a shelf in the spare room?
Vote:December 5th, 2008 at 5:05 pm
A few Garages!!
All heated.
Not bragging, just stating facts, like AG thought I should. Gives some weight to my view of a real world. Been it it. Had to deal with it.
Easy to be smart with a keyboard and dreams. I don’t need to.
Vote:December 5th, 2008 at 5:07 pm
Oh by the way RB, I haven’t even started to brag really. Know what, it would bore the tits off you.
Vote:December 5th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
RB, do you have one of those toy town diplomas as well?
It would match my toy 997 Turbo. They give you a wee model and a lovely pen about a week after collecting the real deal. Also a nice metal ‘Variable Turbo’ sculpture with cogs and shit.
You probably have one as well!!
Vote:December 5th, 2008 at 5:13 pm
Fair enough then – I’ve got no real reason to believe it’s not all true. Prefer old Brit machines myself, but one at a time keeps me poor enough…
Vote:December 5th, 2008 at 5:21 pm
“Yes. Only the elderly should have opinions.”
When did you change your mind AG-ony, yesterday when you thought I was a pensioner you wanted to starve me to death?
Vote:December 5th, 2008 at 5:24 pm
PS: GM – thanks for asking… I have a degree in Structural Engineering from the (New Zealand) university where the modern theory of reinforced concrete design principles now used worldwide were first developed.
On the road, my old beast is probably insured for about the same as one of the lug nuts off your new 977 Turbo. But it smells of old wood and old leather, it makes a lovely noise, and it puts a smile on my face, whether or not I choose to light up the tyres. And in my book that ‘s what it’s all about, although no doubt you and your boys at the Porsche owner’s club look down on poor people such as myself?
Vote:December 5th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
“PS: GM – thanks for asking… I have a degree in Structural Engineering from the (New Zealand) university where the modern theory of reinforced concrete design principles now used worldwide were first developed. ”
So you are the useless prick responsible for the concrete cancer at Wellington Hospital. Somehow I figured it would be a pompous prat like you!
Ignore him GM he is a masturbator.
Vote:December 5th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
Aaahhhh – when will we see the end of this “lets bend over backwards for every wanker” attitude.
We have 2 official languages and thats it.
If he wants to live in a samoan culture – then he should bugger off back to samoa.
Oh – and you there Glutaemus Maximus – young,old, male, female (no in-the-middles for me) – we all have our opinions.
For me – Im at the older end and Ive decided in recent years to discriminate in favour of us older more opinionated people. Im tired of paying – as a taxpayer – for all these stupid crappy things. – like wanting to be sworn in to parliamnet in samoan.
Vote:It might actually cost bugger all, but its got to stop somewhere.
December 5th, 2008 at 5:32 pm
Oh shit – Im sorry.There are 3 languages.
English (also the world language)
Maori, and
sign.
Now – I can think of several signs that would be suitable for this wanker. They all consist of tyhe use of straight fingers
Vote:December 5th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
JB
“When did you change your mind AG-ony, yesterday when you thought I was a pensioner you wanted to starve me to death?
I am exaggerating the ideological position of those who I am debating against for effect. It is a rhetorical device. Not to be taken literally, or you risk looking somewhat foolish.
Now – I have friends. So I’m off to have a drink with them. And a family. So I’ll spend the weekend with them. May I wish you all a safe and pleasnat next couple of days.
Vote:December 5th, 2008 at 5:59 pm
“Now – I have friends.”
Amazing!!!!
Vote:December 5th, 2008 at 6:01 pm
It’s quite heartening to see how well known the relatively recent addition of NZ Sign Language to our official languages is.
Vote:December 5th, 2008 at 6:03 pm
We have 2 official languages and thats it.h shit – Im sorry.There are 3 – English (also the world language)
Vote:Maori, and sign.
OK I`ll say it a bit louder.
ENGLISH IS NOT AN OFFICIAL LANGUAGE IN NEW ZEALAND – GOT IT
December 5th, 2008 at 6:11 pm
“PS: GM – thanks for asking… I have a degree in Structural Engineering from the (New Zealand) university where the modern theory of reinforced concrete design principles now used worldwide were first developed. ”
Heres the link. It is all Ratsarse’s work.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/4781367a23918.html
Vote:December 5th, 2008 at 6:13 pm
AG – you are an ideal candidate for the politically correct woofter award.
I still maintain, if foreigners want to come here, then they do things according to our laws not theirs.
Vote:December 5th, 2008 at 6:21 pm
Johnboy – all true. Here are some key points from that article:
“costly problems besetting Wellington Hospital after years of deferred maintenance”
Not much I can do about it if the Hospital board decide it’s cheaper to simply not do maintenance, is there?
“The clinical services block is affected by spalling, or “concrete cancer”, which is caused by reinforcing steel being placed too close to the surface, where it rusts and swells, cracking the concrete.”
Not much I can do about it if dodgy builders decide to do things their way, in spite of what may have shown on the drawings, is there?
But you’re right, failings of a project built a decade before my birth are directly attributable to my failings as an engineer and a socialist. You got me there, well done!
Vote:December 5th, 2008 at 6:27 pm
Ah thanks for your response Ratsarse. I only put that link in, as I knew you could not resist it, to see if you were one of AG-onys friends that he is spending the weekend with as if so you would not still be here.
Vote:Are you jealous that one as wise and crafty as AG-ony does not see you as a friend?
December 5th, 2008 at 6:34 pm
Johnboy – I only come here because people like you are better entertainment than what is on tv most nights.
AG has yet to learn that a troll can’t bring his prey around to grudging respect. All one can do is prod, and prod, and delight in the prodding…
Vote:December 5th, 2008 at 6:38 pm
“But you’re right, failings of a project built a decade before my birth ”
Seeing as it was built 30 years ago you seem to have had an amazing career path Ratsarse for a man ( I use the term loosely of course ) of twenty.
“PS: GM – thanks for asking… I have a degree in Structural Engineering from the (New Zealand) university where the modern theory of reinforced concrete design principles now used worldwide were first developed. ”
Child prodigy were you or just a WANKER?
(Sorry DPF I will take my demerits like a man)
Vote:December 5th, 2008 at 6:40 pm
How old do you think I am?
(This is a maths question, so remember that you need to show your working as well as the correct answer in order to gain good marks!)
Vote:December 5th, 2008 at 6:53 pm
Old enough to dribble but too young to wipe your arse.
Now just fuck off and see if AG-ony thinks you are old enough to play in his sandpit with his toys.
Vote:December 5th, 2008 at 7:03 pm
Johnboy – get your own blog, and you will carry some weight when you tell people to f– off.
I sincerely hope that hurling what you think constitutes abuse at me on this blog isn’t the best thing that’s going to happen to you tonight.
TTFN, anyway…
Vote:December 5th, 2008 at 7:08 pm
When YOU condemn yourself out of your own stupid mouth how is that me hurling abuse at you? Seems like self-abuse to me and there is a name for people who practise that. The name in question suits you fine.
Vote:December 5th, 2008 at 7:20 pm
Dave said:
OK I`ll say it a bit louder.
ENGLISH IS NOT AN OFFICIAL LANGUAGE IN NEW ZEALAND – GOT IT
Dave, there’s quite a few articles like this http://www.socialreport.msd.govt.nz/people/official-languages.html that state english is an official language. There’s specific legislation making Maori and Sign official languages and I can’t see any specific legislation surrounding english but perhaps it wasn’t required as it was already an official language without legislation – I don’t know but just surmising – perhaps someone knows the definitive answer.
Vote:December 5th, 2008 at 7:32 pm
What do you expect – coming from the MSD> <a href=”http://nzcurriculum.tki.org.nz/the_new_zealand_curriculum/official_languages” rel=”nofollow” this is more accurate.Te reo Māori and New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) are official languages of New Zealand. English, the medium for teaching and learning in most schools, is a de facto official language by virtue of its widespread use.
Just like de facto relationships are not marriages but have all the legal benefits of marriage.
Vote:December 5th, 2008 at 8:05 pm
This post started well.
Vote:December 5th, 2008 at 8:10 pm
As we have no written constitution, and operate under the British continuation of the English tradition of “Common Law”, i.e. making judgements based on what the ‘common man’ would do when there is no specific statute, it is quite apparent that, as English is the Common Language, it is, in law, ‘official’ without needing statutory support.
QED
Ergo, part namesake, you are, sadly, wrong!!
Vote:December 5th, 2008 at 8:16 pm
“Chicken Little (400) Vote: 0 0 Says:
December 5th, 2008 at 8:05 pm
This post started well.”
Sorry Chicken. Ratsarse, Huey, Dewey and Llewy teamed up like bullies do and got up my nose last night with what they think passes as debate and Redbaiter and I copped it. They have gone now and I have taken my pills. Should be no more trouble till next time.
Vote:December 5th, 2008 at 8:42 pm
gosh gm, you’re being a little bit tragic there re. i’ve got etc etc blah, blah- is it really that small? you poor thing.
Vote:December 5th, 2008 at 8:57 pm
Get a life everyone
Samoans form a third of the All Blacks and much of the productive part of the public service.
The least we could do is let Sua use his native language. There are a few native languages in the country now and we should let them all be used.
Vote:December 5th, 2008 at 9:01 pm
The Public Service has a productive part?
Vote:December 5th, 2008 at 9:16 pm
dave:
Vote:When all our laws are recorded and passed into law in english, when our head of state (and her representatives) speak english, when even the idiotic curriculum mentioned by getstaffed which implies maori and sign language are preferred to english is written in english, you soon realise which language is the official language in the country.
December 5th, 2008 at 9:19 pm
Johnboy
When the public service is not productive the whole economy goes to hell in a handbasket.
Vote:December 5th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
So the whole world has an unproductive public service then? And I thought it was the greedy bankers at fault. God am I dumb or what!!
Vote:December 5th, 2008 at 9:42 pm
mickysavage says:
“When the public service is not productive the whole economy goes to hell in a handbasket.”
Case and point: New Zealand under Fuhrer Clark.
Vote:December 5th, 2008 at 10:03 pm
Ah boys. You always make me smile when you start posturing and posting on the (enormous) length of your willies. And some of you are old enough to know better. Or is it just a male thing which never dies? Kiss, kiss.
Vote:December 5th, 2008 at 10:17 pm
mickeysavage:
Dankie. Maar dink jy nie dit sal probleme veroorsaak tussen mense as daar nie ‘n gemeenskaplike taal is wat almal verstaan nie? Beter kommunikasie kan net help. Of stem jy nie saam nie? Engels is daardie taal in New Zealand. En dit is was Sua moet praat om sy eed te kan afle. So eenvoudig soos dit. Hy kan Samoan praat met sy vriende, familie en die mense wat hy verteenwoordig. Maar as hy opstaan vir New Zealand moet hy Engels praat.
Of hoe se ek, boet?
Vote:December 5th, 2008 at 10:33 pm
heh im loving it. labour has been reduced to this.. some back bencher “wanting” something…
want away dude, youre getting a pay cheque and thats all.
AG – youre a snapperhead.
Vote:December 5th, 2008 at 10:57 pm
This stuff just gives me the shits, literally. Correct me if I am wrong but NZ must be the only country in the world to have race based political parties. Maori party, Pacific Island party, God only knows whats next. Thank Christ I’m going back to Aussie in the new year. The Aussies don’t put up with this shit. They would tell this NZ citizen of Samoan descent to fuck right off. Well Howard would of, not sure about Rudd.
Vote:December 6th, 2008 at 8:06 am
mickeysavage said … Samoans form a third of the All Blacks and much of the productive part of the public service.
The second part of that sentence is surely an oxymoron.
Vote:December 6th, 2008 at 9:05 am
Dim,
Just popping in before I take the kids to the beach…
“AG – youre a snapperhead.”
C’mon … be brave … DPF is away for the weekend, so you can say what you really think without risking a demerit.
Vote:December 6th, 2008 at 9:52 am
“penny svoreiz (2) Vote: 1 3 Says:
December 5th, 2008 at 8:42 pm
gosh gm, you’re being a little bit tragic there re. i’ve got etc etc blah, blah- is it really that small? you poor thing.”
Why Penny is yours that BIG?
Wonder Why?
Obviously you didn’t read the context. I was challenged about my experience of the real world.
For the record, reasonably extensive. Definitely Challenging. Always Interesting.
LiFE is Never Boring.
Vote:December 6th, 2008 at 10:28 am
Awesome, so we should base the official languages of NZ on the genetic make up of our National rugby team. Leading on from this, the other year, when there was no Maoris to lead the haka, we should’ve dropped Maori as an official language of NZ. Perfect logic.
Vote:December 6th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
As we have no written constitution, and operate under the British continuation of the English tradition of “Common Law”, i.e. making judgements based on what the ‘common man’ would do when there is no specific statute,
I much prefer THIS version of the common law to the socialist bullshit taught in universities
Vote:December 6th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
Why the fuck is Maori an official language anyway?
Vote:December 6th, 2008 at 10:35 pm
AG – snapperhead suits you nicely.
were you the guy that was trolling a few weeks out from the election? the know it all teacher??
didnt see you for a while.. took a few weeks to get over the shock eh
Vote:December 7th, 2008 at 12:15 am
Really, Labour MP wants special dispensation.
Diddums.
Now fuck off and work for the people who elected you instead of arsing around.
Vote:December 7th, 2008 at 12:50 am
One would have thought that an MP could and would want to be able to speak English, the people who voted for him (misguided as they are) are I suspect wanting an advocate that could be understood, however be that as it may it just proves the point that the MP in question is a complete plonker
Vote:December 7th, 2008 at 9:17 am
It is purely a pulicity gimmic so why do we give him so much coverage .. just ignore the idiot. or plonker as voltaire calls him
Vote:December 8th, 2008 at 10:02 am
Sorry if I’m repeating something I’ve missed above, but Dave etc miss the point.
The terms of the oath and the affirmation for MPS are prescribed in the Oaths and Declarations Act 1957, says the official Parliamentary site. “Members may swear or affirm in English or in Māori.”
Vote:December 8th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
Well, English is only the “de-facto official language” of England too (cite: http://www.yaelf.com/history.shtml sixth question), so I think you’re making a mountain out of a molehill here, Dave.
Vote: