Category: Democracy
The 2020 Labour Government must rate as be New Zealand’s worst ever government; not only for its litany of failures, but for its arrogance and disrespect towards democracy. Fortunately, democracy prevailed and has yet again sent a message that power is in the hands of the electors not the elected.
Since He Puapua transfers democratic rights and public resources to the tribal elite, it represents major constitutional change. But with Labour securing no public mandate for He Puapua, all policy enactments are illegitimate and should be scrapped. That includes the Maori Health Authority, Three Waters, and all commitments to co-governance.
The battle lines are drawn. On one side is a small but powerful tribal elite claiming racial privilege is necessary to improve Maori disparity, and anyone who disagrees is racist. On the other side is the majority of the population who say everyone should be treated equally, that race does not cause inequality, and calls for racial privilege is racist.
Predominantly journalists need to go back to their role as neutral observers and reporters of the news. And with regards to contentious issues, they need to return to providing a balance of perspectives so their audiences have reliable information on which to make up their own mind.
Here we get close to the core of the problem. The media have effectively set themselves above the communities they purport to serve. They are interested only in people who agree with them; the rest can be dismissed as deplorables, to use Hillary Clinton’s infamous term.
History is clear. The best way to grow an economy is for the Government to get out of the way and let businesses do what they do best: create jobs and wealth. New Zealand’s future should harness the entrepreneurialism, energy, and expertise of Kiwis wanting to build a good future for themselves and their families.
Treasury’s pre-election forecasts confirmed that Government spending exceeds revenue by more than what was forecast in the May 2023 Budget. Far too many commentators are concluding the increase is not too bad. Do not be fooled. The forecasts are not realistic. They are too optimistic.
No other government in New Zealand’s history has treated voters with the level of arrogance and contempt shown by the Jacinda Ardern–Chris Hipkins 2020 Labour Government. It will take a herculean effort from a new government to repair the damage and heal the divisions.
We must follow the path of 20th century fighters against racism, such as Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela, by demanding equality. The aim must be now, as it was then, solidarity among all people, living in freedom without division by accident of birth.
If our climate models used realistic scenarios instead of those discredited by the UN - and the correct value for methane - we would not need an emissions trading scheme, a carbon tax, or any of the myriad of climate regulations that have been imposed onto the country.
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