newsletter #56 for Thursday, December 28th, 2023

3 min read

NZ at Treaty Crossroads: Multi-tribal governance or equality for all?

Te Pati Māori (TPM) advocates for Māori sovereignty, sparking controversy.

The historical debate over the Treaty is as old as the Treaty.

Regardless of unsolvable historical interpretations, what of New Zealand’s future direction? 

Equal rights for all or rights determined along ethnic and racial lines?

3 min read

Seymour’s Ministry of Regulation aims to streamline bureaucracy

David Seymour becomes New Zealand’s Minister for Regulation.

The goal is to simplify and streamline regulations, to reduce barriers to effective operations.

There are too many targets to mention but Early Childhood Education (ECE) was specifically identified, as were the primary and financial industries. 

3 min read

Does the coalition government’s smoking stance really have anything to do with being anti-Māori?

National’s decision to not adopt Labour’s policy changes reflect a preference for personal choice over a “nanny state.”

Not surprisingly, those with a contrary view are critical, but is the extreme rhetoric about anti-Māori warranted?

Considering the late timing and future effective date of Labour’s smoking regs, how serious were they even about it? 

Should Te Pāti Māori advocate for separate smoking rules for Māori? 

3 min read

Do We Even Need the Human Rights Commission?

Controversies trigger debate on abolishing the HRC. 

Advocates cite its human rights role, but critics accuse it of bias and misusing funds.

The Justice Minister lacks confidence in the Chief Commissioner and shared leadership.

ACT proposes abolishing the HRC for lacking neutrality, reallocating funds to essential services, debt reduction, or tax relief.