Thank you to all who heeded our call to email the coalition leaders to voice opposition to the race-based provisions in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Protection Bill. To date, over 11,000 emails have been sent. Fantastic work, everyone! The Bill is awaiting its second reading, so we still have time to have our say - I urge you to contact your MPs with your thoughts on this matter. This is as well as using our email tool to contact the coalition leaders. (If you have not already done so, this can be found at: https://www.noracebasedfishing.nz/)
For more information on this issue please see our newsletter articles:
- NEW MARINE PROTECTION RESERVES NOT CREATED EQUAL FOR ALL
- IWI-ONLY FISHING AREAS GIVEN THUMBS UP BY SELECT COMMITTEE.
The embedding of different rights based on race can also be found in the Fast Track Approvals Bill, currently at the select committee stage. It is proposed that iwi will sit alongside elected councillors and officials on the decision-making ‘expert’ panels, in what is in effect a co-governance role. Read more details below at: ‘Update on the Fast Track Approvals Bill’.
At last, good news on the MACAA front!
In order to restore Parliament’s intended test for the awarding of customary marine title under the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act, Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith has announced that the Government is working on amendments to the legislation. The Government’s current timetable is to seek Cabinet’s approval for introduction of the amendment Bill in mid-September.
No doubt you are aware of the hundreds of claims that have been lodged for the recognition of Customary Marine Title to New Zealand’s coastline. We have covered this issue extensively in past newsletters - for instance, see:
- THE GREAT BEACH GIVEAWAY;
- THE RISING TIDE OF CUSTOMARY RIGHTS OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEABED; and
- UPDATE ON MARINE COASTAL AREA CLAIMS UNDER MACAA
When the government enacted the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act (MACAA) in 2011 the Minister responsible, Christopher Finlayson, stated that the Act set a very high bar in order for a court to grant customary marine title to an area. This included proving exclusive use and occupation of the area since 1840 without substantial interruption, and to have held the area in accordance with tikanga (Māori customary values and practices). Instead, the Courts have lowered the bar considerably. Consequently, significant areas of our coastline are being awarded to claimants.
Hobson’s Pledge , alarmed at the awarding of customary title to these large areas of the coast, have launched a campaign to restore the foreshore and seabed to public ownership. This campaign has begun with a petition, which you can sign at: SIGN OUR PETITION.
Did you hear the foolish claim by Chris Hipkins that 'Māori did not cede sovereignty'?
It appears Labour Party leader, Chris Hipkins, has succumbed to the ‘illusory truth effect’. This describes how when we hear the same false information repeated again and again, we often come to believe it is true. How else to explain his assertion that “Māori did not cede sovereignty” when signing the Treaty of Waitangi. This claim ignores the ample evidence available from detailed notes of the speeches made at Waitangi on February 5, 1840. These records outline the Māori perspective, both for and against signing, including the key arguments that influenced many iwi leaders to endorse the Treaty. The speeches clearly show that the chiefs understood they were relinquishing power to a higher authority. Please read article below ‘Facing a Challenge to Democratic Governance’ for more on this highly contentious issue.
The Coalition Government set priorities for this term that include an end to race-based policies. Therefore, it is disappointing to observe the continuation of practices that assign different rights to citizens based on who their ancestors were, as shown in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Protection and the Fast Track Approvals Bills. It has become obvious they need to be reminded of their election promises.
Demand a democratic nation where we all enjoy equal rights!
Please join us in our efforts urging all political parties to uphold the principle of equality. Reach out to your MPs, engage in conversations with friends and family, and make your voice heard in submissions to Select Committees, local councils, and other organizations. Post comments on social media. Take every opportunity to pose questions to MPs at public meetings. Thank you for taking action - it all helps.
Recommended reading
There have been a great many interesting commentaries published lately. I have chosen a few I recommend taking a look at - see ‘More News, Views, Opinions…...’ below.
For a valuable source of factual information on the Treaty of Waitangi - which includes examining the legal issues, and identifying the misconceptions about its meaning - see The Treaty Facts blogsite at: https://thetreatyfacts.blogspot.com/p/1-great-treaty-reset.html
Also, we are constantly updating the Democracy Action Facebook page as interesting posts come to hand. Please check this out regularly.
As to a more in-depth read, I recommend a very interesting book on Auckland - 'From Tamaki-Makau-Rau to Auckland' by R. C. J. Stone, which traces the history of the region from the beginnings of settlement about eight hundred years ago up to 1840. (Auckland University Press).
Thank you for your continued interest and support. If you have any suggestions you would like to offer, or if you need further information or help, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected]
And please help spread the message by sharing our newsletters with anyone who may be interested. You can receive further updates by registering or joining us.
Kind regards,
Susan Short