Tag: Māori Party

The mātauranga divide decided the fate of the Māori Party

[This column was first posted on 1 October 2017 in e-Tangata; if you don’t subscribe to them, you should] At the beginning of this election campaign, I had the privilege of being with the Māori Party and the Kīngitanga at the launch of Rāhui Papa’s campaign at the poukai at Pōhara Marae. It was a… Read More The mātauranga divide decided the fate of the Māori Party

grahamcameron

Election reflections. NB potentially unpopular.

All political parties are churches. As with churches, there are a small group of any membership who are able to provide a sober reflection on the strengths and weaknesses of their parties, the leadership are realists but the large majority of the membership are believers. The policy platform is a hope; a description of salvation.… Read More Election reflections. NB potentially unpopular.

grahamcameron12 Comments

National’s second language policy is an attack on te reo Māori

Amongst the key messages that the National Party wanted to highlight from their 2017 election campaign launch was their proposed education policy package. The third part of that package is “a $160 million investment to give all primary school children the opportunity to learn a second language, if they choose.” The policy deserves the criticism… Read More National’s second language policy is an attack on te reo Māori

grahamcameron

The New Zealand left is a zoo, not a viable alternative in this election

I want change this election. I long for a left leaning government that dials back some of the damage to our communities after nine long years of National: more funding for desperate NGOs; a coherent climate change strategy; transport solutions beyond roads; housing and a safety net for the poor; a review of our settlement… Read More The New Zealand left is a zoo, not a viable alternative in this election

grahamcameron

A developer’s wet dream: even with concessions, the RMA reforms are an environmental disaster

In an example of life imitating art, the Resource Legislation Amendment Bill has been resuscitated like every big screen Marvel character you thought had died (except Quicksilver. No great loss). This bill to amend the Resource Management Act has been a source of some embarrassment to the Government as it asphyxiated in the Select Committee.… Read More A developer’s wet dream: even with concessions, the RMA reforms are an environmental disaster

grahamcameron2 Comments

Helen Clark abused Māori, so don’t expect us to line up behind her now

It has been my privilege whilst in Tauranga to work with people and organisations in addressing the scourge of domestic violence in our communities here. In the course of that work, one of the things I have learnt is that often those who abuse their families minimise their abuse. They assert that “it wasn’t that… Read More Helen Clark abused Māori, so don’t expect us to line up behind her now

grahamcameron16 Comments