From Homepaddocks Blog this morning.

One

The Treaty of Waitangi, Article Three, grants Māori the rights of British subjects. In 1840, that meant equality before the law, the same as every other citizen, regardless of birth.

If we are equal who cares what race we claim to be?

Once we claim our ancestry entitles us to extra rights then who we are becomes important. – Richard Prebble

Two

We will regret the passing of the unspoken rule: say you’re Māori, and you are, no proof required.

Fiji confronted the question head-on. Only those classified as indigenous Fijians were eligible to vote for the Fijian communal seats.

If that standard applied in New Zealand, there would be no Māori electorates and few Māori for the tribunal to consult.

This is where we’re heading, down a road where the state defines and divides us by race, then treats us unequally. – Richard Prebble

Fiji’s new constitution says every citizen is Fijian. Full stop. No exceptions, no privileges.

Three

I used to think the Regulatory Standards Bill was a helpful but modest reform.

After reading the critics, I’ve changed my mind. It’s not just helpful. The bill is essential. – Richard Prebble

Richard Prebble is a man who espouses a lot of common sense on most Political Topics.