southerner

I guess thats my view too!
OK, I live in the SI where the demographics are very different, but I keep in touch with the news and things are pretty good on the whole.

Genesis

I have to say it all comes over very benign from my perspective too... BUT I do not think that is the reality across the whole country. Neither from what I hear on the radio or read in the papers. I think we are a divided country. Just look at the gang problem..I know they exist all over the world but the gang culture here from what I understand far more deep seated and problematic for this country (and the police) than in other small countries.

Why oh why are maori so hugely over represented in the prison system..that says it all for me.

NakiMan

Still, it could have been whole lot worse.

In 1901, when Australia became independent, there was a very real possibility that New Zealand could have become an integral part of Australia. The 1901 Australian constitution even included New Zealand in the list of states and terratories that made up Australia.

Believe me, it very nearly happened.

And look how they treat their indiginous people.

Browner_

..or "we" could have lost the second world war.
Where would the "Treaty of Waitangi" be if that had happened?

pricklykina

Cos there are so many benefits to being Maori that I'm consdering working out my whakapapa. What baloney! The average maori does not seem advantaged IMO. Get off the grass. As for the "not many 100% maoris left" another slice of baloney. coming to NZ, as Tau iwi, means accepting that this is a bicultural not multicultural country and that we come by virtue of the treaty

Browner_

Does it? No-one told me that. Thats a shame, Im with the Egalitarianists.

ExKiwilass

No many 100% maori left? that old racist line is such a load of codswallop.

I agree that NZ is bicultural. It's never going to be all one and the same. Most people I know (of my generation, which grew up when the treaty courts were established) accept that the Maori have certain rights and grievances. Unlike some other countries (Australia being the worst example) the native people actually have a certain demographic and political power in NZ. I wonder if that's a hard thing for some immigrants to accept?

Leigh of the Valley

Its interesting that you talk of putting the past behind like its just something that can be forgotten and buried. The past is what brought the present situation so cannot just be forgotten. A lot of inequalities need redressing before people can move on. It does not take much to see that maori people suffer more social, economic and health problems, and are also over represented in the criminal justice system. Why do you think this is so?

Genesis

Because of them being an 'underclass'. I don't think its fair and I used the term 'lest we forget'. I don't expect to ignore the past but we need to move on as one whilst respecting our differnces and treating each other according to our needs. I believe a country CAN be united as one yet have both subtle and major differences. We are not a united country IMO.

jennifer45

If you are in favour of portraying the 'Maori' people as a forward thinking, civilised, motivated, hard working, deserving section of the New Zealand community, as most right thinking people are, the last thing you want to be looking at is the Maori History- or past in relation to their activities in the Chatham Islands!
The Pakeha have a lot to be ashamed about , but at least there are survivors left of those crimes, who can demand compensation!

There are enough senseless conflicts in this world, based on happenings of past centuries, resulting in pain, death and destruction!
Always 'the sins of the Father'.
I am ashamed at what my countrymen did in India.
I am bitterly ashamed at how my countrymen became rich through the slave trade.
I am also angry that African Tribesman do not accept their part in the slave trade, which they were running long before the Europeans became involved.
I am bewildered how a modern world had NO knowledge of what was happening to the Jews during the Second WW. I am surely bereft at the misery and deprivation endured by the good people of Zimbabwe.

So please, please, all you people, who wring your hands and weep your tears about the injustices suffered by the Maori- stop- think- listen- open your eyes to what's happening in the world and thank god that Maori culture and Maori people are revered and well catered for in this beautiful country of New Zealand, not as a duty, not as recompense, but because the GOOD of Maori culture (of which there is much) truly should be celebrated !
Assimilation is not to be strived for but integration is already here! Future generations will continue the 'melting pot' culture ,which will augur well for the future of NZ society, providing its people [Maori + Pakeha+ Islanders + Asians+Africans] show a willingness, a desire to move forward together for the good of the country! If the country thrives- we all thrive!

Leigh of the Valley

If the Maori are revered and well catered for, as you say, then why are there still social inequalities?
My point is that history determined the present situation. The present situation of social inequalities needs addressing for the country to become a world player. You cannot just ask people to move on, as that is a simplistic solution.

jennifer45

Did you read and understand my post or simply go for the part which suited your argument?
That is the way to widen the division and continue the political conflict!

jennifer45

I think [I don't know] that there are always groups of people, who appear to lack much in society. Some would argue it stems from their lack of education, failure to value the education based on the culture of their antagonists or opposites. A preference to follow a more easy life style.
An attitude, which when supported by the state, encourages some to adopt an even more idle, antagonistic, demanding lifestyle. This applies to certain types of people, which exist in all racial, cultural groups.
Colour or creed have little bearing.
Figures of prison inmates are quoted in many European countries showing that a greater percentage of inmates are black. Why?
Are a greater percentage of crimes committed by blacks?
There are many very successful Maori and some exceptional Pukeha failures!
Personality traits play a large part but state intervention in the UK has produced an underclass where up to 4 generations in single families have never finished school, have never held a job, have no intention of gaining employment because they get far more in benefits than if working.
Why 'wear yourself down, when if you make enough noise , the Nanny State will provide!
The welfare sate was a wonderful conception!
Unfortunately it has been sadly abused.
This abuse has added to the problems of those in genuine need!

ExKiwilass

I can see some people on this thread have no clue what they're talking about and no understanding of why things are the way they are. It's disrespectful to come to a country 200 years later and be all "let's just move on"...the truly respectful thing to do would be to learn some NZ history, maybe take a course in te reo, and develop some humility about problems which you clearly don't understand. This is not Europe. Whatever about your UK ancestors, using that example just proves your ignorance about NZ.

Platitudes are just that - platitudes. They are useless for solving problems.

Please, after 300 years the Quebecois still have greivances with english speaking canada, what on earth makes you think the Maori will cease to have grievances either? that's just naive.

Charismatic

I see myself as part Maori, after all we share about 99.98% of the same genetic code .

Any way what a waste this country would have been if left to a few tribes, unfurnished with the many improvements the European settlers brought with them from civilisation. Who really "owns" land anyway? We are the transient parasites, there will be land long after man has gone from this earth .