I would also point you to the Waitangi Tribunal and the Treaty of Waitangi Act 1975, which clearly states that all matters relating to the treaty and any breaches of it by the crown should be judged on the quote, “principles of the treaty.” Now the principle of the treaty from Maori’s perspective was a partnership. The mere fact that Treaty settlements are on going and have been on going for over 15 years says it is acknowledged that there was injustice and redress is required for that.

And please don’t talk to me about “special”, when Maori don’t make up 51% of the prison population, when more than 12% of Maori children pass NCEA Level 3, when Maori household income on average is above $25,000, then I might give heed to your claims we somehow get it easier then others, but until that time, how about checking the facts before making erroneous and ill judged comments on the supposed “special” treatment Maori get.

Can you give a reference to the part of the Treaty that says there should be unique representation and a special voice reserved for your forbears.

And don’t be so precious – if anyone makes a statement or does something worthy of being ridiculed they will get it here. No fear or favours permitted.

Excuse me a mo’ bro’.
Apart from the impeccable lack of logic in the fact that the quantum of rates won’t change, only the way the burden is spread, just who is going to pay the extra if we give poor Maori’s with large families living in valuable houses in expensive suburbs a rates break. No…. not the rich white people ……. how racist is that Pita

And .. I wasn’t aware that it was a particular Maori problem – large families living in big old expensive houses!

You certainly do learn something new every day – have I got Alzheimers?

How about instead of Maori bashing, you all realise that this Nation was founded on an agreement between The Crown and Maori. Due to that agreement, Maori should have seats. Not more than is representative, and not seats that are unelected but two seats for Maori to honour the agreement that did begin this Nation and to ensure that a part of our population that is key to our national identity have a voice at the decision making table.

It’s simple.

I don’t need to. I have it on good authority he reads Kiwiblog a number of times a day just to keep up with my messages.

I’d send Mr Key an email if I was you, I’m sure David could give you the address.

They better be, because there is no other solution to the mess you vote buying commies have made of things.

Who cares. If 60% of the socialist bludgers get fired I’m all for it.

About time Key and English started firing a few more of them in the Public Service too.

As for “gave them flexitime” people earn flexitime. They used it to take a day off. As Your chum John Banks has already floated the idea hat 60% of them will lose their jobs, they are pretty motivated to protest.

Mind you is the line not that they are “dole bludgers”?

considering North Shore, Waitakere and Manukau councils encouraged their employees to participate, gave them flexitime and in some cases provided transport I’d say it’s a bit of a jack up!

and of course many of them are going to demonstrate, A last ditch attempt to suck off the public purse

Also aside from the Maori seats issue I’d say the Hikoi was at least a third non-Maori mostly there to support Maori seats but to protest about the super-city. Lots of unions, community organisations etc, which bodes wll for future actions.

“not really the stuff that revolutions are made of is it.”?

Every revolution has to start somewhere Big B, but perhaps not. However it is very bad news for your government.

- when you get back from the hikoi can you explain why it’s OK for a maori to be ‘appointed’ a seat on the new council, but you state it is undemocratic for the transition board to be appointed to set up the new council?

Here’s your quote from a previous thread;
“it is just that it is totally undemocratic that the Auckland region is now governed by people who are appointed rather than elected”

How does that fit with the Greens position for ‘appointments’ today? – even more so because you are advocting appointments based on race, but not skill??

I’ll remind you of your previous description; “Today is the day that democracy in Auckland died”

http://www.kiwiblog.co.nz/2009/05/aucklanders_meet_your_new_overlords.html#comment-564936

Them and their views are irrelevant, no one cares and i think it is hilarious that the chickens are coming to roost.

Once upon a time that was a good argument in favour of slavery