6th May 2023
There is some confusion about how we encourage unity of different New Zealanders and how we can overcome the division the current parliament are trying to create. We hope this helps:
We support localism, people before globalists, respect for different views of our communities and fair treatment for all New Zealanders. We are opposed to the current tranche of ‘co-governance’ legislation going through parliament for a number of reasons. I’ll list the main ones:
1) Outdoors & Freedom Party are opposed to more and more power going into fewer and fewer hands – the current example of one man, Ashley Bloomfield having ‘the power’ to enforce water fluoridation on several large townships without consultation is shocking to us and to the towns when they discover their water has been poisoned.
2) The Three Waters Services Entities legislation, as we interpret it, creates opportunities for conflicts of interest and corruption, which is detrimental to everyone’s interests, including Maaori.
3) The current Three Waters Services Entities Bill, raises concerns about the potential privatisation of our water resources. This outcome benefits only global interests, while disregarding the broader population.
4) Furthermore, the Outdoors & Freedom Party advocates for direct Reserve Bank funding to councils for infrastructure, rather than resources being trapped within the bloated bureaucracy such as associated with the establishment of Te Whatu Ora. We firmly believe that everyone should have access to high-quality healthcare, irrespective of their race or ethnicity. We acknowledge that Maaori seek improved access to services due to historical neglect, resulting in their diminished trust in the system.
5) The way the legislation is formulated engenders a perception that the government aims to further divide us. We adamantly oppose such divisions and strive for unity, empowering communities to make decisions at the local level. Our objective is for the people to retain control over the government, rather than the government exerting control over the people. We perceive this legislation as counterproductive to achieving these goals.
6) Throughout generations, elected councils have successfully managed resources, ensuring a Mana whenua voice is represented at the local governance level. Historically, Tangata whenua and Mana whenua did not have control over the entire country, but rather managed resources within their own rohe (food basket). It is therefore logical to entrust the management of local resources to the locals themselves, rather than a centralised body with excessive power and insufficient oversight.
7) The desire for autonomy and self-determination resonates within all of us, as we all oppose excessive government control and encroachments on our fundamental, and some may argue, shared legal rights. It is not solely Maaori who seek self-determination; this aspiration is universal. Therefore, it becomes paramount that all voices are heard and all individuals possess influence in their relationship with the government. By fostering an environment of safety and trust, perhaps more people will actively engage with government bodies and departments.
8) The injustices we have witnessed from this renegade government in recent years are issues that Maaori have grappled with for two centuries. As an elder wisely expressed at Waitangi 2023, this should not be a conflict between Pakeha and Maaori; instead we need an alliance of Maaori AND Pakeha against an errant government. Let us not succumb to division and racism, but instead join forces to pursue the betterment of all our people.
9) Tangata whenua and Mana whenua possess a legal right to self-determination within their own territories, as established by New Zealand’s laws and statutes. The Te Ture Whenua Maori/Maaori Land Act empowers them to establish private trusts for managing their land, finances, resources, and establishing their own rules. In contrast, the rest of us operate under The Imperial Laws Application Act, which grants us the Common Law Rights of England and the Rules and Principles of Equity, ensuring protection against excessive government control. Utilizing these legislations is crucial for collectively safeguarding the interests of both Maaori and Pakeha against any unwarranted government interference.
10) We express our disappointment towards individuals like Julian Batchelor and their ‘stop co-governance’ tour, as their stance comes across as divisive, lacking empathy, and rooted in racial biases. Our objection to Co-Governance does not stem from a denial of the Ti Tiriti O Waitangi and the He Wakaputanga (Declaration of Independence) as our foundational documents, which are legally binding and deserving of respect.
We firmly acknowledge and honour the unique connection that Tangata whenua and all local communities have with the land and environment. We recognize the value of embracing diverse perspectives, taking the time to understand them fully, and striving for win-win solutions that consider the specific needs and preferences of each local community before any decision is reached.
