Please see more posted on the Democracy Action Facebook page
ELIZABETH RATA: TRIBALISM, DEMOCRACY INCOMPATIBLE
Tribalism is based on principles of inequality. Democracy is based on equality. So unity is only way forward. Published in the NZ Herald 10 years ago, but just as relevant today.
NATALIE COATES: "175 YEARS OF INTERPRETING THE TREATY OF WAITANGI – PANEL 1: LEGAL DIMENSIONS"
Natalie Coates, partner at Kahui Legal, considers the Treaty of Waitangi settlements and Crown/Iwi relationships going forward in her presentation to the Faculty of Law, Victoria University of Wellington 4/07/2019.
Ms Coates fully acknowledges that co governance and co-management arrangements such as the Waikato River settlements are private/public partnerships, and that this shift in authority, power and decision-making is silent constitutional change.
ROGER CHILDS: THE TREATY BELONGS TO ALL OF US NEW ZEALANDERS
Roger Childs, retired social studies teacher, comments on Tiriti o Waitangi: “The 1840 document – the only valid treaty – was a very far-sighted agreement at the time which guaranteed British sovereignty and protection; the rule of law; the protection of property ownership, and equal citizenship rights for all New Zealanders”.
BRUCE COTTERILL: CHALLENGING THE MEDIA’S INDEPENDENCE IS GOOD FOR ALL OF US
“With the social media landscape generating so much incorrect information, the onus on the trusted and traditional media to present in a manner that is unbiased and accurate is more important to our future democracy than ever”.
CHRIS TROTTER: THREATENING “CONSEQUENCES”
Chris Trotter: It is suggested that massive civil disturbances – quite possibly violent in nature – will be the result if this classically democratic mechanism (referenda) is employed to resolve significant differences in the interpretation of the Treaty of Waitangi. “The referendum is generally acknowledged by all those who adhere to the democratic values of New Zealand society to be the best method of resolving controversial issues rationally and peacefully”.