I was merely commenting on the fact that 14.6% of the population never seems to be present in these kinds of discussions.

No, just like any other advocacy group you only hear from the noisy minority!

But if 14.6% are represented to the tune of 22% in parliament, then they're over represented. 

6FIEND:

 

I think it's reasonable to have a referendum on the issue.

 

I guess there could be one. Personally I don't see a need, or rather, I see a need for more pressing matters. A referendum on Maori seats seems a lot like the referendum on the flag. I'm not particularly bothered by the issue either way. 

Rikkitic:

 

6FIEND:

 

I think it's reasonable to have a referendum on the issue.

 

 

I guess there could be one. Personally I don't see a need, or rather, I see a need for more pressing matters. A referendum on Maori seats seems a lot like the referendum on the flag. I'm not particularly bothered by the issue either way. 

 

 

 

Of course there is a need. its our democracy you are talking about. AN over representation of Maori politicians in parliament is not right.

That stupid flag had nothing to do with our democracy, but thank goodness it never changed.

Wiggum:

 

Rikkitic:

 

6FIEND:

 

I think it's reasonable to have a referendum on the issue.

 

 

I guess there could be one. Personally I don't see a need, or rather, I see a need for more pressing matters. A referendum on Maori seats seems a lot like the referendum on the flag. I'm not particularly bothered by the issue either way. 

 

 

 

 

Of course there is a need. its our democracy you are talking about. AN over representation of Maori politicians in parliament is not right.

 

That stupid flag had nothing to do with our democracy, but thank goodness it never changed.

 

It's just part of the Maorification of every aspect of NZ public life, regardless of how relevant it is or isn't.

Wiggum:

 

Of course there is a need. its our democracy you are talking about. AN over representation of Maori politicians in parliament is not right.

 

That stupid flag had nothing to do with our democracy, but thank goodness it never changed.

 

I don't think our democracy is going to be hugely affected one way or the other if there are a few extra Maori MPs in Parliament or not. One of the things that has strangled America is this clinging grimly to so-called points of principle rather than dealing with practical realities. I just think there are more important issues to get excited about.

Geektastic: 

 

It's just part of the Maorification of every aspect of NZ public life, regardless of how relevant it is or isn't.

 

Can't have that, can we? You might end up feeling like part of a racial minority.

Rikkitic:

 

Geektastic: 

 

It's just part of the Maorification of every aspect of NZ public life, regardless of how relevant it is or isn't.

 

 

Can't have that, can we? You might end up feeling like part of a racial minority.

 

 

 

Hardly likely.

It is however irrelevant in many instances it is used to all but the minority in question.

MikeB4:

 

there is no apartheid in NZ and that is only counter productive inflammatory language. These issues are better dealt with and discussed without that nonsense.

 

How is voting privilege based on ethnicity NOT apartheid?

The only nonsense I see is people attempting to defend it. The sooner the maori seats are gone, the better - they should have gone many decades ago.

Rikkitic:

 

Wiggum:

 

Oh lets not do this again please. Its not actually about who is disadvantaged anyway, its about segregation or discrimination on grounds of race.

 

Pakhea are discriminated against in NZ. In parliament, in scholarships for kids, and even in the Maori All black team :-)

 

 

And Maori are not discriminated against? In jobs, in housing, in the justice system, in society at large? Just asking.

 

 

Of course. At population level. But that does not excuse discrimination at Government level.

cadman:

 

MikeB4:

 

there is no apartheid in NZ and that is only counter productive inflammatory language. These issues are better dealt with and discussed without that nonsense.

 

 

How is voting privilege based on ethnicity NOT apartheid?

 

The only nonsense I see is people attempting to defend it. The sooner the maori seats are gone, the better - they should have gone many decades ago.

 

Its not only at a representation level, but as a percentage of all government expenditure, this minority group is well and truly spoiled. I am not advocating change here, just a bit more appreciation.

Pumpedd:

 

Its not only at a representation level, but as a percentage of all government expenditure, this minority group is well and truly spoiled. 

 

Yep, they're leading the life of Reilly, aren't they? All driving round in luxury cars, with baches at Pauanui and ski lodges and annual holidays to Europe. So spoiled! Sad!

frankv:

 

Yep, they're leading the life of Reilly, aren't they? All driving round in luxury cars, with baches at Pauanui and ski lodges and annual holidays to Europe. So spoiled! Sad!

 

 

Some of them are, particularly the ones associated with the top levels of large treaty settlements *cough* Tainui *cough*, but no Hemi Bloggs is statistically not at all likely to be rolling in it.. Sadly he's still not likely to see any benefit from a treaty settlement. 

frankv:

 

 

 

Yep, they're leading the life of Reilly, aren't they? All driving round in luxury cars, with baches at Pauanui and ski lodges and annual holidays to Europe. So spoiled! Sad!

 

Most Pakeha don't even have those benefits so not sure of your point.

I think we talking special privileges for Maori only, special scholarships, political privileges etc.

Most of the rest of the world would struggle with a regime that does not champion proper democracy, and which grants special political rights to certain groups in our society only. These special rights to Maori only come at the expense of the majority of New Zealanders. Unproportional representation in parliament is not democratic at all. We far from being a democratic nation. Abolishing the undemocratic seats is a good start. 

Why all the resentment of Maori privilege? It isn't hurting you in any meaningful way and as frankv tried to point out, most Maori aren't exactly living the high life. What is your actual problem with this? Just a point of principle? Surely there are bigger issues to worry about in this country.