Anyone would think it was a finite pie, ie if you concede some pie there's less for you. Instead I believe it's an ever expanding pie, the more inclusion there is, the bigger the pie becomes and more people get a slice. Maybe I'm being simplistic but that's how I feel
Referendums are the tyranny of the majority. They are not democratic. We see that on several councils where the Māori seats were voted out. Gone. No voice.
This may seem a little bit off piste, but I reckon it’s got way too much about how outside influences are affecting the way we perceive the environment we live in, and why. Certainly ACT and National.
Winston may actually escaped somewhat unscathed because he hasn’t had a good idea about anything except keeping his seat in the House.
Anyway, the letter I sent to the Herald earlier today is part of my single handed attempt to bring the Coalition to its knees. I somehow doubt it will make it, but……..
It’s quite astonishing how many people haven’t heard of Atlas Network. I’ve asked some who have never heard of them.
Who’s driving the bus?
It seems that many people are worried and wondering about the “Americanisation” of NZ politics in recent times. To give themselves some perspective,I suggest that these people should perhaps read about the history and ethics of such influencers as “Hobson’s Pledge” The New Zealand Initiative”, “Taxpayers Union” all of which are affiliated to the Atlas Network, an American nonprofit group which bases its ideology around neoliberalism and “freedoms” for all across the globe. A quick look at these might help explain why the Coalition are trying to introduce legislation to make life easier for corporations and individuals to operate with very little regulation, regard or responsibility for their actions. It may
make some people ask themselves two questions……
Is this the AotearoaNZ we really need or want?
Who is actually driving the country we expect a responsible, transparent government to be sitting at the helm, steering us towards the future which will truly benefit all New Zealanders?
I completely agree with you. I think pretty much the whole National/ACT cabinet is complicit with Atlas Network, and NZF are learning the ropes as they go along: albeit sticking with their own populist agenda to stay in Parliament.
I am concerned that with our democracy being sidelined more all the time, that come November the election could be a sham.
I hope that by the time the election gets here, word has spread sufficiently about where the Coalition’s policies come from to leave them begging for mercy from those who have abandoned them in disgust. As mentioned, I’d like to get the credit for the decline of the Conservative Empire in AotearoaNZ ,( I’m Australian, we all get big ideas like that), but will need a little help. Get the word out there folks👍👍😀
We are entering dark times. Both locally and globally. All the veneer of niceties that have traditionally shielded us from the excesses of the societies and world we live in have been stripped bare by Trumpian rhetoric to reveal the stinking carcass of global body politik. Those who weild the biggest stick have always controlled the narrative.
Absolutely on the money about the Trumpian dystopia heading our way Mike. Have you seen that he’s now saying he wants to cancel the citizenship of all Americans who weren’t born there? I wonder how Melania would feel about that? If she does have any sense she should be heading for the nearest airport right now, with a big smile on her face 😃😃😃
True to form Peters is just proving what a waste of space he has been for all his time in parliament. Hypocritic, racist, arrogant and litigious. If he wants to do one decent thing for all his time in Wellington he could blow apart this current govt and do us all a favour. He though chooses to accept Luxton's rubbish about getting things on track and trolling for votes amongst the discombobulated.
Beautifully written Nick as heart breaking and frustrating as it is. I find myself getting increasingly angry that two selfish, self obsessed, narcissistic men of Māori whakapapa can lead such disgusting attacks on their own whakapapa! When will it stop FFS. Get the pricks out!
We did have the biggest protest in NZ history last year, and the largest ever number of submissions on an Act. This Government doesn't listen to anyone (other than the Atlas aligned idealogues, and the party donors, who I assume are groups with high cross-over). So history tells us that if it goes on too long, it leads to violent clashes. Ugh!!
Everyone should watch "Origin" with Scotty Morrison. It's the story of how those who astonishingly sailed from Hawaiki became Maori with each waka bringing their own traditions and stories with them. But also how they found and farmed kai, how they found local plants to weave into their cloaks (even in the Southern Alps), and the plants they found for healing and other things. Imagine their first encounters with active volcanos. Scotty tells a story of Maori on Motutapu who watched Rangitoto as it emerged from the ocean - and the footprints of Maori who walked in the ash with their kuri found in an archeological dig. What was special were the "incantations" as the programme put it when finding pounamu and even the kiore. And the integration with the environment and intelligent use of it. Our history doesn't begin with Te Tiriti - it just enabled others to come and part of the deal was there would be Maori seats. Of course Aotearoa is the only place Te Reo is spoken in the world. How special is that.
The ignorant appealing to the ill informed. Peters and Seymour appealing to the most visceral elements of white colonialism in an attempt to gain traction in an election campaign that will enter a new low in gutter politics. For Peters his bully boy tactics and intemperate language is par for the course, but for others he holds them to a different standard. I utterly reject and despise all that he stands for.
😢 I am sad that my younger whanau (parents & workers) are having to deal with this 🤮💩 when I thought we were past this in terms of high-level systemic exposition of deliberate racist/anti-Maori/anti Te Tiriti rhetoric & views. Sure, there were the Winnie-the-💩s & arrogant ACT members chirping from the sidelines, but so much progress towards recognition of te Reo, addressing Maori inequality, enshrining the requirement to include Te Tiriti provisions when developing policy etc etc. These wonderful young people grew up feeling proud of their heritage & able to assert themselves when something that was said was racist and know that their non-Maori friends would be standing beside them, and at times leading the push-back.
🤬 I am angry that they now have to worry about what the world will be like for their young children if we don't rapidly course correct before they start in the school system that this bunch of hateful arrogant 💉s are destroying, or need the health services that are being gutted, or find themselves teased or bullied or vilified because of their heritage 😢
OF COURSE the referendum proposal is a cynical political ploy for the "hollow easter egg" (thanks Willy!) to rile people up & attract the most horrible of horrible voters away from already despicable ACT, but it is unforgiveable to try to repeat what the ACT party did with their doomed-but-Zombie legislation (see the legislation they resurrected for decades until getting this lot to give into blackmail & pass it) which they have promised to introduce again if they get the chance. Already, just the announcement of this "possible" referendum on the Maori seats has caused a flare up of division, plus a distraction from the abominable performance of the govt NZLast have been a willing coalition partner of - or is it a distraction from his getting the tax-payers to pay for his overseas jaunt to watch a boxing match ⁉️🤔 Just like Nicky-no-boats announcing ANOTHER enquiry into COVID decisions to distract from the fatal car crash that is her legacy of high unemployment, record loss of citizens overseas, wages lower than inflation, record young people not in work, etc etc - incidentally also statistically much worse for Maori in every measure. 👿 OR, I forgot about the back-lash following the LNG terminal announcement that bombed after all the experts advised against it, & Chippy et al had them sputtering & turning red trying to deny that a levy is a tax, and that if the power co's pay it, that means consumers will pay it... 😱 So MANY things to distract from ⁉️
Thank goodness you included that stunning video Nick - it has helped calm me down, plus remind me that the current & upcoming young Maori generations have grown up thinking anything is possible, and are fully equipped to fight back in the courts, at the ballot box, on the march - more incentive (if any was needed!) to get out the vote from ALL eligible, here & overseas 💪
If it weren't for the encouragement of like-minded folk on this and other substack links, I would be a nut case - so many of my elderly peers regard winston as offering "commonsense" policies or they believe the policies of the previous govt "privileged" Māori!! It concerns me that it is this age demographic which gets out and votes. How then, to challenge their perception when they express disinterest in considering the possibility that our everyday media might have been highjacked!
I don’t think you will be able to shift the thinking of the demographic that has always voted for Winston, or the ones who have voted National for generations. Equally unlikely to shift the demographic of ACT supporters, the most entrenched and extreme neoliberal devotees.
All we can do is encourage those who are swing voters, or who can’t see the point in voting, to get involved, understand the issues and vote. The question is, how to do that when every media outlet has been high jacked by the supporters of the coalition who have so much power, influence and wealth with which to control what gets out to the wider public?
Winston has finally surprised me...and then there was his evil cynicism expressed by a leering grin directed at the camera (in other words, directed at all of us Kiwis)...which actually made me gasp in disbelief...
Peters the Fisherman choosing the bait needed to appeal to his voters, reeling them in. Unfortunately Māori bashing seems to still be popular with ‘some’ parties! Gains votes!
Sad though, still the same old bait, this many years later. Peters is a typical Kupapa to his own. He wants his career choice to continue, and doesn’t give a fig, if it’s his people Maori, who are thrown under the bus! His Toto Māori, missing in action! Kupapa!
With the high number of a Yes vote for a referendum to wipe out the Māori seats!
Bit of a worry, but no surprises!
Peters being interviewed, seems to be struggling for breath! About time there’s a cut off age for Parliamentarians!
He’s passed his use by date!
Ka Ora, ka ako. Healthy nutritious kai, helps the tamariki to learn. (Might have to rely on those kids to pay the superannuation bill in years to come!) I’m told by a teacher, she thinks Seymour’s lunch is far from healthy or nutritious.
Cue the backlash on Social media,, resentment at having their tax money feeding others kids. There but for the grace of God, go I.
‘The Treaty to me has never been about Treaty Rights, it’s always been about the rightness that comes from people accepting their obligations to each other, and that was a profound and I think, visionary base on which to build a country’. Moana Jackson.
The only upside of this diabolical demand made by an old idiot is that from now until the election Luxon ( another idiot) will be constantly questioned as to whether he will support the referendum. He will want to babble on about his polices but he will be ignored and questioned about Winston's hair brained demand instead. Add to that,Seymour has stated that he will be electionaring on the the Treaty yet again.Will Luxon support this or not? It may work in our favour? Well,I'm hoping!
Probably like most families, I've got a bunch of 'born to rule torys' in mine.
They just can't seem to stand anybody else having, what they deem to be an advantage over them.
I ask them, "How does this personally affect you, either financially, materially or emotionally". Haven't had a sane answer yet.
Me too. Some are fearful of Māori getting 'too much' - of what, they couldn't explain. And some are just racist and arrogant with it. It's tough.
Anyone would think it was a finite pie, ie if you concede some pie there's less for you. Instead I believe it's an ever expanding pie, the more inclusion there is, the bigger the pie becomes and more people get a slice. Maybe I'm being simplistic but that's how I feel
Referendums are the tyranny of the majority. They are not democratic. We see that on several councils where the Māori seats were voted out. Gone. No voice.
This may seem a little bit off piste, but I reckon it’s got way too much about how outside influences are affecting the way we perceive the environment we live in, and why. Certainly ACT and National.
Winston may actually escaped somewhat unscathed because he hasn’t had a good idea about anything except keeping his seat in the House.
Anyway, the letter I sent to the Herald earlier today is part of my single handed attempt to bring the Coalition to its knees. I somehow doubt it will make it, but……..
It’s quite astonishing how many people haven’t heard of Atlas Network. I’ve asked some who have never heard of them.
Who’s driving the bus?
It seems that many people are worried and wondering about the “Americanisation” of NZ politics in recent times. To give themselves some perspective,I suggest that these people should perhaps read about the history and ethics of such influencers as “Hobson’s Pledge” The New Zealand Initiative”, “Taxpayers Union” all of which are affiliated to the Atlas Network, an American nonprofit group which bases its ideology around neoliberalism and “freedoms” for all across the globe. A quick look at these might help explain why the Coalition are trying to introduce legislation to make life easier for corporations and individuals to operate with very little regulation, regard or responsibility for their actions. It may
make some people ask themselves two questions……
Is this the AotearoaNZ we really need or want?
Who is actually driving the country we expect a responsible, transparent government to be sitting at the helm, steering us towards the future which will truly benefit all New Zealanders?
I completely agree with you. I think pretty much the whole National/ACT cabinet is complicit with Atlas Network, and NZF are learning the ropes as they go along: albeit sticking with their own populist agenda to stay in Parliament.
I am concerned that with our democracy being sidelined more all the time, that come November the election could be a sham.
I hope that by the time the election gets here, word has spread sufficiently about where the Coalition’s policies come from to leave them begging for mercy from those who have abandoned them in disgust. As mentioned, I’d like to get the credit for the decline of the Conservative Empire in AotearoaNZ ,( I’m Australian, we all get big ideas like that), but will need a little help. Get the word out there folks👍👍😀
We are entering dark times. Both locally and globally. All the veneer of niceties that have traditionally shielded us from the excesses of the societies and world we live in have been stripped bare by Trumpian rhetoric to reveal the stinking carcass of global body politik. Those who weild the biggest stick have always controlled the narrative.
Absolutely on the money about the Trumpian dystopia heading our way Mike. Have you seen that he’s now saying he wants to cancel the citizenship of all Americans who weren’t born there? I wonder how Melania would feel about that? If she does have any sense she should be heading for the nearest airport right now, with a big smile on her face 😃😃😃
Biggest stick or biggest purse?
You forgot biggest ego Denise. They all seem to meet the requirements🙂
Excellent. I hope your letter gets to print
Many thanks. I’m keeping my fingers crossed🤞🤞🙂
True to form Peters is just proving what a waste of space he has been for all his time in parliament. Hypocritic, racist, arrogant and litigious. If he wants to do one decent thing for all his time in Wellington he could blow apart this current govt and do us all a favour. He though chooses to accept Luxton's rubbish about getting things on track and trolling for votes amongst the discombobulated.
Exactly Mac, and I note that 'spud head' has never defined where the 'track' is headed for and what it will look like when we get there
Beautifully written Nick as heart breaking and frustrating as it is. I find myself getting increasingly angry that two selfish, self obsessed, narcissistic men of Māori whakapapa can lead such disgusting attacks on their own whakapapa! When will it stop FFS. Get the pricks out!
Thanks, Jo. I had the girl read the opening, and she smiled. Where do the years go?
I thought that might be the girl 😀 Yup about the years but look at the beautiful blessings you have created and kept along the way 💜
I just find this all incredibly upsetting and frustrating. How bloody dare they. I have no idea how or why Maori are so tolerant of it all
We did have the biggest protest in NZ history last year, and the largest ever number of submissions on an Act. This Government doesn't listen to anyone (other than the Atlas aligned idealogues, and the party donors, who I assume are groups with high cross-over). So history tells us that if it goes on too long, it leads to violent clashes. Ugh!!
My favourite Easter egg used to be a hollow egg covered with milk chocolate , then when you bit into it, you'd get white chocolate on the inside.
We called it 'Winston, the Easter Egg, brown on the outside, white on the inside and completely hollow all over.
Everyone should watch "Origin" with Scotty Morrison. It's the story of how those who astonishingly sailed from Hawaiki became Maori with each waka bringing their own traditions and stories with them. But also how they found and farmed kai, how they found local plants to weave into their cloaks (even in the Southern Alps), and the plants they found for healing and other things. Imagine their first encounters with active volcanos. Scotty tells a story of Maori on Motutapu who watched Rangitoto as it emerged from the ocean - and the footprints of Maori who walked in the ash with their kuri found in an archeological dig. What was special were the "incantations" as the programme put it when finding pounamu and even the kiore. And the integration with the environment and intelligent use of it. Our history doesn't begin with Te Tiriti - it just enabled others to come and part of the deal was there would be Maori seats. Of course Aotearoa is the only place Te Reo is spoken in the world. How special is that.
👏👏👏👏 watching it it's great.
The ignorant appealing to the ill informed. Peters and Seymour appealing to the most visceral elements of white colonialism in an attempt to gain traction in an election campaign that will enter a new low in gutter politics. For Peters his bully boy tactics and intemperate language is par for the course, but for others he holds them to a different standard. I utterly reject and despise all that he stands for.
😢 I am sad that my younger whanau (parents & workers) are having to deal with this 🤮💩 when I thought we were past this in terms of high-level systemic exposition of deliberate racist/anti-Maori/anti Te Tiriti rhetoric & views. Sure, there were the Winnie-the-💩s & arrogant ACT members chirping from the sidelines, but so much progress towards recognition of te Reo, addressing Maori inequality, enshrining the requirement to include Te Tiriti provisions when developing policy etc etc. These wonderful young people grew up feeling proud of their heritage & able to assert themselves when something that was said was racist and know that their non-Maori friends would be standing beside them, and at times leading the push-back.
🤬 I am angry that they now have to worry about what the world will be like for their young children if we don't rapidly course correct before they start in the school system that this bunch of hateful arrogant 💉s are destroying, or need the health services that are being gutted, or find themselves teased or bullied or vilified because of their heritage 😢
OF COURSE the referendum proposal is a cynical political ploy for the "hollow easter egg" (thanks Willy!) to rile people up & attract the most horrible of horrible voters away from already despicable ACT, but it is unforgiveable to try to repeat what the ACT party did with their doomed-but-Zombie legislation (see the legislation they resurrected for decades until getting this lot to give into blackmail & pass it) which they have promised to introduce again if they get the chance. Already, just the announcement of this "possible" referendum on the Maori seats has caused a flare up of division, plus a distraction from the abominable performance of the govt NZLast have been a willing coalition partner of - or is it a distraction from his getting the tax-payers to pay for his overseas jaunt to watch a boxing match ⁉️🤔 Just like Nicky-no-boats announcing ANOTHER enquiry into COVID decisions to distract from the fatal car crash that is her legacy of high unemployment, record loss of citizens overseas, wages lower than inflation, record young people not in work, etc etc - incidentally also statistically much worse for Maori in every measure. 👿 OR, I forgot about the back-lash following the LNG terminal announcement that bombed after all the experts advised against it, & Chippy et al had them sputtering & turning red trying to deny that a levy is a tax, and that if the power co's pay it, that means consumers will pay it... 😱 So MANY things to distract from ⁉️
Thank goodness you included that stunning video Nick - it has helped calm me down, plus remind me that the current & upcoming young Maori generations have grown up thinking anything is possible, and are fully equipped to fight back in the courts, at the ballot box, on the march - more incentive (if any was needed!) to get out the vote from ALL eligible, here & overseas 💪
He got the anti vaxers, now wants the fascists.
I'm having trouble believing the removing the name 'ka ora ka ako' was a cabinet decision!!! What about the real issues this country is facing?
What a despicable collection of non humanity.
If it weren't for the encouragement of like-minded folk on this and other substack links, I would be a nut case - so many of my elderly peers regard winston as offering "commonsense" policies or they believe the policies of the previous govt "privileged" Māori!! It concerns me that it is this age demographic which gets out and votes. How then, to challenge their perception when they express disinterest in considering the possibility that our everyday media might have been highjacked!
Hitting your head against a wall feels better than trying to convince some people. 😂
I don’t think you will be able to shift the thinking of the demographic that has always voted for Winston, or the ones who have voted National for generations. Equally unlikely to shift the demographic of ACT supporters, the most entrenched and extreme neoliberal devotees.
All we can do is encourage those who are swing voters, or who can’t see the point in voting, to get involved, understand the issues and vote. The question is, how to do that when every media outlet has been high jacked by the supporters of the coalition who have so much power, influence and wealth with which to control what gets out to the wider public?
yes, good points. I also pin hope on young people, they seem more prepared to consider carefully what is reported.
Winston has finally surprised me...and then there was his evil cynicism expressed by a leering grin directed at the camera (in other words, directed at all of us Kiwis)...which actually made me gasp in disbelief...
Election year brings no surprises for Māori.
Peters the Fisherman choosing the bait needed to appeal to his voters, reeling them in. Unfortunately Māori bashing seems to still be popular with ‘some’ parties! Gains votes!
Sad though, still the same old bait, this many years later. Peters is a typical Kupapa to his own. He wants his career choice to continue, and doesn’t give a fig, if it’s his people Maori, who are thrown under the bus! His Toto Māori, missing in action! Kupapa!
With the high number of a Yes vote for a referendum to wipe out the Māori seats!
Bit of a worry, but no surprises!
Peters being interviewed, seems to be struggling for breath! About time there’s a cut off age for Parliamentarians!
He’s passed his use by date!
Ka Ora, ka ako. Healthy nutritious kai, helps the tamariki to learn. (Might have to rely on those kids to pay the superannuation bill in years to come!) I’m told by a teacher, she thinks Seymour’s lunch is far from healthy or nutritious.
Cue the backlash on Social media,, resentment at having their tax money feeding others kids. There but for the grace of God, go I.
‘The Treaty to me has never been about Treaty Rights, it’s always been about the rightness that comes from people accepting their obligations to each other, and that was a profound and I think, visionary base on which to build a country’. Moana Jackson.
A very thoughtful and on point reply.
Thanks Nick. A referendum would be an expensive disaster. How can a minority get justice or fairness with that?
The only upside of this diabolical demand made by an old idiot is that from now until the election Luxon ( another idiot) will be constantly questioned as to whether he will support the referendum. He will want to babble on about his polices but he will be ignored and questioned about Winston's hair brained demand instead. Add to that,Seymour has stated that he will be electionaring on the the Treaty yet again.Will Luxon support this or not? It may work in our favour? Well,I'm hoping!