NZ Centre for Political Research

This week's poll asks:

Should the Prime Minister call off the Maori Party’s constitutional review?

*Congratulations, Muriel, on a very good letter which states clearly and unequivocally how the Prime Minister, his party, parliament and the people of New Zealand are being taken to the cleaners by a cunning, conniving, minority. Auntie Podes

*We must stop the National Government from giving in to the Maori demand for rights above every other NZ citizen. If we do not achieve this there is no hope for democracy in this country. The worst possible result of such a Government action would be civil war which is the last thing we want. Ernest

*All Kiwis should be treated equally no if's no but's. Ed

*Steve Oregan on addressing a fishing conference back in the 80s,90s,that "your" government has given "us" more fish quota than we ever dreamed of getting,all concocted by subterfuge behind closed door's.The same thing is happening,takeover by stealth, and weak politicians! Ian

*Yes there is no reason to enshrine the treaty into a new constitution. Mike

*All Maori's are well on the way to being hated because of the actions of these unscrupulous Maori radicals. Give them an inch and they take a mile. Enough Is Enough. Colin

*All laws should be the same for everyone no matter what race. Nigel

*There should be only one law and one parliament for New Zealanders. Malcolm

*Always my thinking. One cannot change or tamper with history. History is. HISTORY. Marg

*People have had a guts full of John Key brown noseing, I voted for him in the last two elections, but unless he stops bending over for these so called natives who seem to want to hold this country to ransom , then he will lose my vote. The sooner we become a state of Australia the better. Murray

*The whole Treat is far too ambiguous to stand the test of time. It has outlived its purpose and should be scrapped. Sheila

*YES!!! I hope this letter is going in all of the papers nationally? Peter

*New Zealand's assets and responsibilities should be equally shared by all New Zealanders. Doreen

*But he won't, as his UN / globalist master do not wish it. Mr Key & his puppets (muppets?) are nothing more than sham window dressing to continue the charade of "democracy" in NZ, so that "we the lemmings" continue to provide tax revenue for the UN coffers and social-engineering projects. Death to the UN. The time for revolution is now. Peter

*This farcical situation must end. Kevin

*Biased, pre determined segregation. David

*This is discrimination in its crudest form. Stewart

*Absolutely essential for the future of this country. Jan

*We should stop all race based politics. Ted


*Otherwise we are doomed. John

*Of course, what a rort. The way things are going and the way our politicians keep rolling over on all things maori, there will be but one outcome for our country. Following this, there will be only one way to take the country back for ALL New Zealanders. I fervently hope I am still alive to be part of it. Ray

*We should be working to make New Zealand an inclusive country, not one where a small proportion of the population have more rights than the majority. Hilary

*Enough is enough. stop all this rubbish and make all new zealanders equal citizens. Peter

No wonder so many are leaving NZ. Helen Clark was well rid of, and Key and Co should go get a job with her as they are all tarred with the same brush. Key DID NOT need the racist Maori Party to govern - they are dictating how this country is run but got only TWO PERCENT of the vote at the last election. I and my family will ever vote National again while Key and Co are in power - or does power describe the Maori racists better? Carolyn

*Lets stop all this garbage.I have just returned from Australia to visit my grandchildren(yes part Maori)and a get together included 4 other Maori families 3 of which stated that the main reson for them leaving NZ was their embarresment and shame to being labeled with the same group as the activists (seperatists) and what they are doing to the people of NZ. Bob

*Our country is descending into an abyss of reverse apartheid. I am fearful of what the future holds for my grandchildren and theirs. Jim

*Definitely, it is biased from the start - the panel is loaded with maori rights supporters, so it is not inclusive r a fair representation of all New Zealanders - and I mean everyone, not just pakeha and Maori - there are many races of people living here now who are New Zealanders. Nick

*Is there any sound reason why ordinary nzer's should be held to ransom by a greedy Maori minority? I cannot find any. Faye

*Equality was a simply concept to grasp for politicians and New Zealanders with the issue of gay marriage. Why not the same on New Zealand vs Maori Sovereignty??? B

*I'm sick of halfpie Maori getting preferential treatment. Ian

*Let us all reject such apartheid matters forthwith. Stuart

*Yes, absolutely. Who gave them the authority to do so in the first place.?? Bruce

*I 100% support the contents of this letter. Bert

*Maori greed is like a cancer; it will either kill the host or it needs to be surgically removed. Good letter to John Key, and it should be entertaining watching him avoid all those valid issues. If it goes ahead, we will be going to Australia and all our taxes will go there. Derejk

*Be very afraid NZ. There will be no turning back. Do not trust John Key, his track record shows he can not be trusted, nor can the National party or any other Politician for that matter. NZ is screwed. Never has so few screwed the lives of so many. I think you will see those that can afford it fleeing NZ, those that can't are doomed for misery. And don't ever forget that John Key doesn't care, he can afford to 'get out' anytime he likes. In days gone by he would be executed for treason. Raewyn

*It is a complete sham with the outcome dooming future generations to increasing racial bitterness and division. Bernie

*The letter to the Prime Minister clearly highlights the flaws in a flawed process. Gregor

*Why should a constitutional review be legal when it is only wanted by one group living in New Zealand? Mary

*Had enough of racism in NZ. Gaile

*We need to be united as a country to further oue development. Lyn

*Of course they should the treaty does not give them sovereignty. Marian@ Trevor

*If not, severe racial dishaarmony will ensue. Patricia

*Maori Party's constitutional review, is self serving, for maori's only benefit, and is racist aginst all other NZ races. Glen

*As a born and bred (non-Maori) NZer, I am not happy at being relegated to a 2nd-class position in society. The Maoris arrived AFTER the Morioris, disposed of them, and are now disposing of everyone else's rights. Keep our democracy intact! Susan

*When is all this nonsense going to cease? There are, as far as I know, no full blooded maori person alive--all are part maori yet they shed their other cultural being for that of Maori and seem hell bent on claiming everything and anything. And no!-I am not racist--I have been happily married for 42 years to a wife of polynesian descent and my heart bleeds for the way this country is heading. Terry

*Yes because the Maori who are behind this ''TAKEOVER'' by way of implementing a Maori controlled Constitution are showing a very DISTURBING MENACING GENETIC BASED''Superior sense of ''Grandios ENTITLEMENT,they do not reciprocate, they display no Empathy,no Remorse,NO Sorrow for the rest of New Zealanders and other Cultures who have brought the Maori to where they are today. What is described here is a ''Scary'' PSYCHOLOGICAL MENACING'', USING various Tactics such as ''Coercive Persuasion'',to systematically produce ANXIETY and FEAR undermining the rest of New Zealand's Population. Sandra

*Resoundingly YES!! Presently, the whole exercise is a political sham...a bloody democratic disgrace. Tony

*Yes, yes & yes.Otherwise we need an early election to get shot of this whole Treaty of Wai.part-maori in charge uneconomic business;we are in lunatic fairyland at the moment. Winston Peters talked about an early election the same day as Bob Jones! Show us the way you two. Monica

*National's dirty deal with the racists of the Maori Party must not be allowed to enslave New Zealanders. David.

*NZ is a democracy with equality for all - this is fast being lost. Linley

*How can we as a Nation continue to be so plainly stupid as to continue down this path of racial divide?
Surely even Maori can see that the ultimate result will be the erosion of goodwill, the destruction of the economic base of the country.
Look to Africa to see the examples. Where is there one country in which the indigenous population have taken control, and that country not crashed into anarchy and economic ruin? Bear in mind too, in all those countries the indigenous population are by far the majority. So there has been at least some justification for them holding power. Here in NZ Maori are a minority, and in some areas 3rd or 4th in number compared to other nationalities. There is no social or political justification for Maori to hold overall power here!
They have every possible support from the State already to provide for advancement, for their issues to be heard, generally over those of any other group. What more can be given in fairness to the rest of the population? Maori do not even pay taxes at the same level as the rest of the nation for goodness sake. The Maori Corporations are taxed at a lower rate than everyone else. Why?? Hugh

*Sick to death of this racial divide. Leonee

*Another attempt to give the moari more political power. Murray

*Gone beyond a joke. this country should be for all who live in it, not just about Maori.Stop this rubbish now John. Derek

*Stacked to achieve a particular outcome. Andrew

*To do otherwise we must declare that we are now truly an apartheid nation. Wasn't that very the very thing NZ rebelled against in 1981? Paul

*I have had enough of Maori wanting more but giving nothing. Bruce

*Can he not see that such a constitution as the Maori Party is proposing will divide our nation forever? The National government, which includes the Maori Party, seems hellbent on giving them everything they ask for. Kia kaha, John Key - stop this nonsense by calling the constitutional reform off! We want "one nation, one people", not race-based laws which are dividing us. Laurence

*Emphatically YES. Otherwise he will always be known as the PM who sold the hard working NZers (and future generations)
down the river for his own personal benefit. Sarah

*Geez, I am getting really brassed off at these ludicrous Maori demands. Arthur

*Nearly a Fiji allready NZ will be destroyed as we know it. Roy

*Blatant racims from one group of ''imports'' feathering their nest at the expense of later ''imports''...as all New Zealanders are. Mike

*One people one law, equal rights for all. Dorothy

*Constitutional Con

The points of law and historical evidence.

1. Continued existence of the current laws depends entirely on British law, in that the “New Zealand Constitutional Act 1852 (A United Kingdom Act. UK Short Title), purports to provide our current New Zealand Constitution. The Act in fact reads “An act to grant a Representative Constitution to the Colony of New Zealand”. This Act did not confer Sovereignty, New Zealand was still a colony of the UK in 1853, and hence it only conferred a “Colony” Constitution. In addition, the laws are also dependant on the Colonial Laws Validity Act 1865 UK, The English Laws Act 1808 and the Imperial Laws Application Act 1988 NZ.

2. New Zealand, like Australia, was still considered a colony under International Law prior to 1919 as is evidence by the declaration of war against Germany, made on behalf of the British Colony of New Zealand by King George V of the United Kingdom in 1914. This is historical evidence, that it only conferred a “Colonial” Constitution. The United Kingdom was a signatory state to the Treaty of Versatilles on 28 June 1919 and thereby became one of the guarantors of New Zealand’s sovereign independence from that date onwards.

3. New Zealand achieved its independence or sovereignty on the 10th January 1920 when it became a member of the League of Nations. The UN can be contacted to confirm this fact.

4. Under the UK and International Law, the Covenant of the League of Nations Article XX and under the UN Charter Article 2.4 all Colonial Laws applying the New Zealand pre-Sovereignty are voided.

5. This means that the “New Zealand Constitutional Act 1852 UK”, The Act purporting to establish the “New Zealand Constitution” does not legally exist and hence all subordinate laws, in fact our Political and Judicial system have no legal validity since 1920.

6. The attempt by British, New Zealand and Australian politicians to subvert International Law by means of Paragraph 4 of the Statute of Westminister 1931. Purporting to allow Colonial Law to continue after sovereignty, is in direct contradiction of Article X and articles XX of the Convent of the League of Nations and Articles 2.1 and 2.4 of the UN Charter.

7. I hereby challenge New Zealand or the UK to provide evidence of a higher legal authority than the Covenant of the UN Charter whereby the situation can legally exist. The only exception is when a reciprocal treaty applies, which does not infringe upon the sovereignty of either member state. Such a treaty between the UK and New Zealand with respect to our “Constitution” does not at law exist. If any judiciary officer or public servant believes it does let him produce evidence of it.

8. If the “New Zealand Government” regards the Statute of Westminster 1931, paragraph 4 as a form of “Treaty”. Then they must realise that under Article XVII of the Covenant of the League of Nations and under Article 102 of the UN Charter, all treaties or international agreements must be registered with the Secretaries of these organizations to be legally binding at International Law. We would then require the judiciary officer or public servant to provide evidence of this “Treaty” as mentioned above.

9. It is an offence under International Law and UN Charter for any foreign Nation State (eg UK) to legislate for a Sovereign Member State (eg New Zealand) of the UN. It is an offence for any person or persons (eg judiciary officer or public servant) to attempt to apply or enforce the law of a foreign Nation-State on a naturally born New Zealand person.

10. Naturally born New Zealand persons have a right to resist the illegal application of a foreign law under Section 51 of the UN Charter. Persons attempting to illegally enforce foreign laws can be tried before the War Crimes Tribunal in Geneva Warrants for their arrest can be issued to the New Zealand Police who are charged with upholding International Law.

11. There has never been a referendum by New Zealand people since becoming an independent nation assenting to the use of the UK Statute, the “New Zealand Constitution Act 1852 (UK)” as our “New Zealand Constitution”. If any judiciary officer, or public servant claims there has, then let him produce evidence of it.

12. The public voting for the current Government, in no way legally validates the use of the “New Zealand Constitution Act 1852 (UK)” or any laws deriving their authority from this Act. To say that a vote for the Government is a vote for the existence of our “New Zealand Constitution” has no basis at law and has been refuted by our leading legal academics. New Zealand people have never been given full disclosure of the facts and hence have never given informed consent to the continuation of Colonial Law.

13. The Royal Assent Process and the UK Monarch’s Letters Patent to our Governor General is illegal under UK and International Law, which itself voids any laws formed via this process. Letters Patent must refer to an action to be taken with regard to British Citizens. The Immigration Act 1972 UK defines New Zealand Citizens as aliens.

14. The Constitution Act 1986 was an attempt to try and fix the problem. It was designed to repeal the “New Zealand Constitutional Act 1852 (UK)” (which ceased to have any legal significance in New Zealand under International Law post 1920 anyway). The Statute of Westminster 1931 (UK) (only the UK Parliament can repeal UK laws), and the New Zealand Constitution (Amendment) Act 1947. It was presented by parliament, “passed” into law by the sovereign’s representative in New Zealand (the sovereign being a UK citizen), giving authority back to itself, in an attempt to legitimise its continued illegal governing of New Zealand.

15. The Imperial Laws Application Act 1988 (NZ), was an attempt to review Imperial Laws, to repeal ones which no longer had appropriate action and to continue colonial laws. As demonstrated above, this law is not a valid law in New Zealand either.

16. The only way the legal basis for all laws and political structure to have validity under International Law is by way of national referendum concerning the whole and complete truth regarding our current situation and the establishment of a brand new Constitution. Which will be voted point by point by the people of New Zealand on our entire and political and legal structure, covering every facet of every day living. Until this is done, nothing the politicians do will change this situation under International Law.

17. It appears that given these lawyers and researchers appear to be correct, the Treaty of Waitangi ceased to be valid on January 10, 1920 and the New Zealand Government does not lawfully exist yet they pay out. Why? It should be quite obvious. They are attempting to justify their position when they don’t have the authority to do so as the people never gave it. The potential crisis here is that any and all laws enacted by NZ Government since then are invalid and could create mayhem. Garth

*Maori will not be happy until they control how this country operates. this has to be wrong'. Patrick

*Pull your head in and listen to the people of NZ!! Anthea

*NZ is stuffed if this goes through. Craig

*If this constitutional reform continues, we should change our countries name: New Zimbabwe. Rob

*As a senior citizen, I will probably (and thankfully) not live to see the full and drastic impact of any Treaty-based constitution, but I fear for my grand-children who will have to live in a basically apartheid New Zealand, as second-class citizens to those claiming maori descent.

However, if Cristian Cullen with his 1/64th maori blood can be 'maori' then I guess my grand-children will be able to also claim to be maori and get on the gravy train, because of their 1/512 bloodmix.

It is such a stupid situation and one that seemingly no Prime Minister has the guts to sort out.

The USA had their Civil War based on racial/slavery matters - will NZ end up with the same situation? Carl

*My Family has been in NZ since March 1853 so are very much a New Zealander. Peter

*J Key does not need the job. He must ditch the Maori party and restore equality to New Zealanders. If he has the courage to do this he would be re-elected with a substantial majority. Graham

*Thank you for bringing all this information to light, the public is, I'm sure, unaware of most of the goings-on. Keep up the good work. Peter

*Of course he should. Just like greedy children more and more will be expected and taken unless someone starts saying no. But alas Key doesn't have it in him to be the one who starts saying no. Gary

*QUESTION---
Has the treaty of Waitangi any validity in law given that it was drawn up by someone having no experience in law and who may not have had the authority to pronounce on behalf of the British Government who had not been consulted and given their authorization for that document to be signed?
There may be doubts on the legality of that document here. Kenneth

Dear Dr Newman

On behalf of the Prime Minister, Rt Hon John Key, I acknowledge your email of 25 September 2012. Please be assured your comments have been noted.

As the issue you have raised falls within the portfolio responsibility of the Ministers responsible for the Consideration of Constitutional Issues, I have transferred your email on to Hon Bill English and Hon Pita Sharples for consideration.

Thank you for taking the time to write to the Prime Minister.

Regards
L Diehl
Executive Assistant
Office of the Prime Minister

This week's poll asks:

Should the Prime Minister call off the Maori Party’s constitutional review?

*Lets stop this before it is too late. John

*For God's sake something drastic has to be done before we break out into civil disturbances or worse. David

*Stop The rot NOW!!! Lloyd

*I've already written to Key and stipulated that if he gives in to maori over the water issue I withdraw my support for him and National. John

*Mr Keys flirtations with the Maori Party has already created a racial division which will only be intensified by the Maori Party's constitutional review. Peter

*This racist rubbish has to stop. Jim

*Unquestionably, it must be called off immediately, before any further damage is done. The Waitangi tribunal are doing enough damage without any further assistance. Richard

*Lets stop apartheid legislation. Keith

*We are against apartheid in NZ and anywhere else for that matter! Rob

*How do I get on this panel, why are they not picking New Zealanders off the electrol roll. Geoff

*The review should be open to scrutiny especially when tax payers are footing the bill. Mary

*The economy is stalling, and our future looks bleaker by the day, not because of foreign bankers or foreign over-emphasis on enviro-salvation and social re-distribution, but by our own "leadership" antipathetic to personal progress and betterment (and profit-making! Dirty word; debt is so much easier!!!). Worse, they compound their brake on economic activity (and hope thereof) by this ridiculous Ttreaty-isation process, the "principles" of which even defied Geoffrey Palmer, and which remain open for Maori to invent whenever it suits their contemporary purpose. Be done with it, I say, and with any Government which erodes NZ's economic strength, personal ability and motivation, and sovereignty the way this one seems set to do. David

*To not call off the review would be unconstitutional. Dennis

*We want equality for every NZ citizen. Peter

*It must not be allowed to proceed. David

*It is blatant racism and therefore divisive & disruptive to the population as a whole. Dorothy

*This is all grossly over stated and should be totally disregarded. Gordon

*But he won't the useless b..... Deb

*Why has this not been on t.v, newspapers etc? John

*I am appalled at what I have read in your letter. Every NZ'er needs to voice their opposition. Alice

*We agree 100% with the submissions made by Dr Newman. We feel teh Maori promoted constitutional review is nothing but a crock, a sham, a predetermined agenda. It needs to be stopped in its tracks before (1) It gains any momentum since it does not represent the other 86% of new zealands interests and(2) before the stupidity of it all reflects and backlashes on the governing party. Vern
It's about time we stood up for equality and stopped bending over backwards for racist requests. We are all NZers and as such should have equal rights. I'm absolutely fed up with the Maori requesting special treatment time and time again. It's nothing but racism! Patricia

*Goodbye NZ if all this happens. Sadly everyone with half a brain will leave and come over the ditch as we have. Janie

*Gutted is what we are having foisted on us by our so called representatives. David

*Any further concessions will result in race relations problems. Alan

*Thank you Muriel for echoing my thoughts and concerns. Your letter to Priminister Key was fair and thought prevoking. Darryl

*Immediately, for the sake of New Zealands future for all New Zealanders. Grace

*It is extremely concerning, that such a process is already taking place, and behind closed doors with no accountability to the majority of NZers. It must stop now. Jenny

*It is time that Government says enough is enough to Maori. Maori should ask to scrap the Treaty and get on in a modern society. Clinton

*If it was to come about, the country will be stuffed. David

*Unless reference to the so-called Treaty principles being the basis of a new constitution is withdrawn. Graham

*Yes, call off the review. Neil

*Why is New Zealand the only country in the civilised world to openly promote racism by giving a small minority that have contributed very little to society more rights and privliges than the majority? Steve

*Does the Prime Minister want to be remembered in the History of NZ as the one who took away equality from ALL NEW ZEALANDERS. ANNE

*They have changed the original treaty to suit their own agenda. Les

*This is an unbelievable situation. No normal prime minister would entertain this. Simon

*One for all and all for one. Barry

*If a constitutional review is needed, and that has NOT been established, then ALL citizens have an EQUAL right to be involved. This is a PUBLIC matter; not something for heavily biased political appointees to mess about with. Rob

*The set-up of the Panel exemplifies the worst sort of gerrymandering in a vital part of our nation's development. Bruce

*This is a very serious issue that strikes at the heart of democracy and at the God given right to equality. Ian

*The 2005 review of our constitution found it was working just fine! The present review appears heavily biased and the private sessions are deeply concerning igniters of the democratic process! Ruth

*There is no place for the Treaty of Waitangi in our constitution which is the agenda of the panel. William

*If a constitutional review is needed, and that has NOT been established, then ALL citizens have an EQUAL right to be involved. This is a PUBLIC matter; not something for heavily biased political appointees to mess about with. Rob

This week's poll asks:

Should the Prime Minister call off the Maori Party’s constitutional review?

*It is about time that the government put a stop to rediculous Maori claims. Desmond

*Key needs to stay at home and start acting like a PM instead of a weak kneed puppet to Maori and that untrusting list MP Findlayson. Robert

*There is no need for such a review. If done according to wishes of those pushing for it, it will only benefit them. Ron

*I can't get a reply from my local MP regarding National's policy on equality for all New Zealanders and the effect of Constitutional change if the Treaty is incorporated. That has to be pathetic. Are there any MP's with backbone out there????? Alan

*Maoridom is based on mythology and fairytales! William

*I strongly feel that ONLY a binding referendum with every eligible New Zealander should settle ANY such issues. Look at the track record of arrogant politicians deciding what is "best" for us. Looking at previous polls on this website, give a good indication that we should give a vote of no confidence in the present parliamentary system. Let's go for what Amy Brooke is pushing - the Swiss System - the only true democracy where the people majority decides. Rod

*I am a strong advocate favouring (One Policy for All New Zealand)& what is past history is past history, even I have helped build New Zealand for all Kiwi's and it worries me now I am edging on 80 that NZ is now becoming very divided caused mainly by greed and asking that someone else pay for it. Francis

*Separatism is wrong! Promoting it worse! Lloyd

*Most definitely and NOW not later! David

*I think most New Zealand folk have had enough. I wonder if Moari got their greedy hands on the water. If there were a flood would they have to pay to clean up the mess? They would own and manage it after all. Just a thought. Warren

*Well done, Muriel. Thank you for the effort you are putting in on behalf of all New Zealanders. John Key must listen, and when there is an OPEN public discussion on this issue, I will be there! Diana

*The wedge is being driven deeper every day & taxes that could be used so productively in this economic climate are going to waste. Martyn

*We are funding our own demise as a nation. Maori extremists must be stopped. Brian

*Stand up for your country and for your children John Key, before it is to late. Karl

*It should then reach the only conclusion! The the only thing to be enshrined in a New Zealand Constitution is NOT any version of the Treaty of Waitangi, but that this nation New Zealand is founded on the only principle that all men are equal and that none shall have special privileges over the other! Allan

*This apartheid is what is holding New Zealand back. There should be no special privileges for people that claim to have a smidgin of Maori blood. Trevor

*We need a well considered written constitution with no reference to the TOW, that contains NZ for all NZers and ends nonsensical demands and claims, so as a nation we establish an accountable direction that delivers the will of the majority. Barry

No wonder so many or our citizens are leaving for Australia. Linda

*What a waste of taxpayers money, along with the 2million recently spent on building a new marae up our road, used by about 50 people. Julie

*It is unconstitutional, unrepresentative, biased and highly misleading. There is a deep cultural, undemocratic divide developing in this country and it concerns me gravely. New Zealand is sleep walking into chaos. Dean

*But I will lay odds that this will not change anything. Maurice

*How did things ever get to this point? Sheena

*Stop this madness now before we all have nothing left! Paul

*Prof Martin devlin's article should raise alarm bells.. compulsory reading . Jeremy

*We are being hijacked! Gill

*We want leadership, not a party that respnds to blackmail all the time. Bryan

*For goodness sake stop this nonsense and let us all live as one. Bill


*Get rid of the maori seats and remove the treaty from our legislation. We are all New Zealanders together. What is John Key doing. He must be crazy in the head or have some maori relations. Ian

*We must stop the racial division, which is and will drive good citizens overseas. Martin

*It is biased and not based on open and passed by a national referendum. Carl

*Key seems to have lost the plot he is vasilating and useless. John

*WE ARE ALL NEW ZEALANDERS AND DESERVE TO EQUAL TREATMENT. Robyn

*This constitutional review is flawed and on false premises and will cause the downfall of democracy and common sense and divide the country with no return , given the cunning and contrived reasoning that maori are putting forward that is gaining acceptance just becaause of publicity and pandering ! I want NZ to be the way it was and should be. They have clout way beyond their actual numbers because the government has allowed this to occur. John

*We cannot allow the separatists & their sympathisers or the gutless snivelling politicians who seek their gratuities to destroy our country any further than they already have..wake up NZ! Wayne

*This is fast becoming a debacle. When is the PM going to show some spine and tell his Maori mates to go to hell? Barry

This week's poll asks:

Should the Prime Minister call off the Maori Party’s constitutional review?

*The situation is alarming and I can why those involved want it to be 'low key' and 'behind doors'so the average Kiwi doesn't know what's going on behind his/her back. Disgraceful! Barbara

*Yes, the make up of the review committee is in itself unconstitutional. Sonia

*Maori bru-ha. Ian

*The constitutional review should be called off immediately. It is glaringly obvious that it is indeed a jack up to enshrine the Treaty of Waitangi into our constitution without the knowledge or approval of the majority of NZ Citizens. Brenda

*We have had enough of pandering to a minority in this country and they holding the country to ransom. Chris

*Another push to divide our country..where is the democracy in this matter? Jane

*You bet. Malcolm

*Or as a very minumum a binding referendum on the whole matter. Ted

*John Key must be the biggest "Plonker" Prime Minister this country has ever had. His sell out of all non maori New Zealanders is corruption of the highest order. He has a way out by allowing a binding referdum to be held - let the people decide! Bill

*THE RECORD NUMBER OF KIWIS THAT LEFT LAST YEAR WAS NOT ONLY FOR THE BETTER OPPORTUNITIES IN OZ. It was to escape this racial division and previlage that we now have here in NZ. Rob

*We are all NZers and Maori are not the indigenous race they claim to be. Patricia

*Mr Key needs to remember that he is in power to serve the people of NZ, not appease other political parties. David

*Sick of John Key's Divisive/Racist crap!!! Lee

*New Zealand's future depends on honest equal participation in any decision made that affects our country in any way. Margo

*Sooner Rather than Later. Justin

*Absolutely. Should never have been a negotiable option. Fred

*Absolutely this review should be terminated! It is past due that we are all one nation and all kiwis. This never was, nor should it ever be a Maori nation. The blood of the Stone People, the Moriori and others cries out from the ground for truth and justice. Gary

*Muriel..letters are gonna do NOTHING to sway Key..all he`s interested in is SEATS for the NATS,,,even if it mean enshrining the flamin treaty!! Rick

*We should be one people and work hard together. Chris

*There has to be an end. The present generations and those to come of hard working "kiwi's can not continually be held accountable for our history. Has anyone one taken the time to look into how well the Maori have been compensated for "crimes against them" in comparison to other groups around the world that would have similar grievences against colonialisation and world development. Would it not be fair to say that they have been given one of the most generous paybacks and a spring board full oportunities from which to launch a new future as "New Zealanders" part of this wonderful country of ours - the important word here to reiterate is PART, just like the rest of us, a part of the whole picture. Karen

*We should all be petitioning our local MPs. Let's put them under pressure with the reassurance that they WILL lose their jobs if they don't stop this biased nonsense. Jayne

*Before it is too late. Roderick

*Will not be voting for National again. Jason

*Democratic rights for ALL citizens of New Zealand should be protected. Margaret

*In 2008 I wrote to the PM. and told him to dispose with previous government advisers and go to the streets and listen to Joe Ordinary. He has declined to do that at his peril. Malcolm

*This is racism by a weak Govt. Catherine

*By the time Key is outed there wont be much left for New Zealanders of European descent so lets get off to Australia before all of this happens. I give up! Albyn

*This process should never have been allowed to commence - Where is this government's mandate? Roger

*This racist nonsense must stop. Though a written constitution may hold Government to account. It must be non-racist and based on equality of opportunity not outcome and only to be ratified or amended by a majority. Michael

*It should have been dealt with and Waitangi payouts etc stopped years ago. It is now like a festering sore that will not go away. Anne

*I am opposed to racism and seperatism. Alan

*We must stop seperatism in NZ. Bryon

*I am very concerned the country will become more divided than it is now. Carole

*Have we got spineless M.P.s down there? I think so! Max

*We do not want a divided country with one race being superior to another. David

*A written constitution is not essential for any true democracy. The best example it the right to bear arms in the constitution of the USA. At the time of writing it was relevent to ensure the US citizens had the power to counter the British, French and Spanish influences, now it protects criminals. John

*For fairness and equity for ALL new Zealanders. John

*The whole issue is completely out of hand! Mark

*Have been National supporter but am desperate to find a party that will stand up against this creeping creation of a divided privileged society. Jim

*WE all have a duty to ensure John Key is pressured to comply with the pleas in Muriel's letter. Please talk with your local MP as well. This issuer is too important to be allowed to proceed any further. We must all stand up and be responsible to ensure New Zealand is a desirable country in which to live for the future generations of real New Zealanders. Chris

*I have growing concerns that the "hijackers" of our so called free country are gaining traction. Rob

*There should be equality for all. We are all New Zealanders. Janet

*All this is doing is dividing a nation and causing a racial uproar. Paul

*To include the treaty in a new constitution would be political suicide and only provide a platform for ongoing claims and quite frankly I believe most NZers are sick to death of this country being held back by separatism. Prime Minister please make this country go forward this is your only chance.!. Ian

*We are one people and one country NOT. Segregated society that we are quickly becoming. Derek

*All land in New Zealand is owned by the Crown. Freehold is the best lease available from the Crown. Donald

*I have my doubts that John Key is acting in the best interests of New Zealand. Murray

*It should never have been commissioned in the first place, I thought we were all New Zealander's not Two separate races. Richard

*This is a ticking time bomb for this country and MUST be called off now-has John Key got the backbone-I doubt it! Roger

*I hate to think where this country is going if we continue to allow the Maori Party and colleagues to determine the Future for all 'New Zealanders' to me it appears that the Majority will shortly be controlled by the Treaty of Waitangi I'm certain this was not envisaged when it was instigated all those years ago. Where is Strong Leadership when it's needed Mr John Key?? Frank

This week's poll asks:

Should the Prime Minister call off the Maori Party’s constitutional review?

*Maori are not recognised in law therefore have no "rightful" powers to demand anything. Ask Pita Sharples who will confirm this. I have his written confirmation in my keeping. John

*Tell maori to honour the Treaty as translated by Sir Apirana Ngata. William

*Certainly he should but I doubt whether he will.Our politicians are out of control. This constitutional review is a jackup just as the antismacking law and Marine and Coastal Areas Act were jackups. As the lead writers on this website have pointed out the whole thing is a predetermined plan to push forward the agenda and ambition of a minority group and to hell with what the other citizens want. Some of us have already opposed the two main Parties on racial issues. Perhaps our one hope is that many New Zealanders who have gone along with this nonsense for so long will at last tell John Key and his minions that this is our country, that we are all equal under the law and that it's time the whining grievance groups were shown the door.
I think John Key will try to get a Treaty based constitution passed by Parliament without any reference to a binding Citizens' Referendum. If he manages to do this there may well be strong resentment and demonstrations but by then it will be too late. We need to head the bandits off at the pass and send a strong message to our politicians that New Zealand belongs to all of us and that they are in Parliament to serve us and to promote the common good. Denis

*He won't though as he wants what is best for John Key not NZ. Fay

*The sooner the better. Victor

*If there is a Maori Party constitutional review then there should be a Pakeha constitutional review. That's fair! Angela

*Yes he should but he won't wake up NZ until we demand that all issues that impact the greater population be voted on by the people nothing will change and will just get worse. Mike

*The PM has lost the plot TOTALLY. Geoff

*No wonder all right minded Kiwis are heading over the ditch!!! Representative govt is all I ask. Tim

*Yes, absolutely! Having a coalition with the maoris has been a bad idea all along for what should be be -even to the meanest intelligence - a disaster for the country. The Maori seats should be abolished and the sooner this 'Maori-stacked' Revue is eliminated the better for the whole country! It is a given the outcome is already determined in favour of Maori. Frank

*The tail continues to wag the dog.... Tracy

*We are all kiwis. Ron

*New Zealand prides itself in the role it played in bringing an end to Apartheid but seems to have no problem with its own race based policies. It is time to end the hypocricy. Allan

*If this racism proceeds, I can see a situation arising where the majority may feel that civil war is the only option remaining! Mike

*We dont want to be controlled by a stoneage culture. PETER

*I am totally fed up with both National and Labour. They make collective decisions which as individuals, they would shun. Mike

This week's poll asks:

Should the Prime Minister call off the Maori Party’s constitutional review?

*I agree with your comments, I to consider this to be a dangerous move and am against it! Ian

*Maori history has always stated they/we are "only care takers of the land and the elements" Alby

*If this insanity continues I'm selling up and moving back to the U.K. Les

*My comments are not printable. Leonie

*At least 25% Maori blood (proven) should be obligatory before anyone can call him or her self a Maori. In fact we should all be on a level playing field, as New Zealanders. Alan

*Please act positively before it's too late. Don

*The review is rigged by Maori over representation. Brian

*The bugger is barking mad!!!! Bruce

*All New Zealanders need to be treated equally - tired of biased processes and being sujected to the Treaty gravey train! Bill

*I agree John Key and his govt. are not governing this country according to the mandate the voters gave them. The only way round this is to get them out at the next election but watch the Greens they are saying much the same as the Maori Party! Margaret

*Bob Jones for P.M. Excellent comment in todays Herald. Keith

*For all the same reasons you have stated are true in your review of the ominous racially based situation. Jennifer

*I have never heard of anything more dangerous to the race relations of this country - please, let commonsense prevail here. Gail

*It's a treasonous attempt to hijack the government of NZ while National deliberately look the other way. John

*For all the reasons so well stated in Muriel Newman's letter to the Prime Minister. Greg

*Because NO ethnic group has primacy in any such discussions. Michael

*Sick of Maori holding NZ back with their constant demands for "their" people ..what happened to the Maoriore who were already here..we all know the answer to that..no treaty for them..even NZ history is being re written ..enough is enough!! Dianne

*The undemocratic way in which this is proceeding is frightening. If flight to Australia is a problem, it will become a much bigger one if this unmandated, undemocratic replacement to our constitution goes ahead. The government must stand up and say “NO” to further demands from Maori. We are long past time for further redress. Throughout history people have lost long held family land and possessions. And can never expect to get it back. Maori have derived huge benefits from Europeans giving them a standard of living they would never have achieved otherwise. Despite huge sums already handed out for Treaty claims they seem no better off. Why? Because this whole Maori issue is the agenda of a few academics. It does not benefit the main (part) Maori, at all it would appear. To treat Maori differently is apartheid. You are taking this country down a dangerous path and should stop before it is too late. Gail

*Absolutely, these Maori demands have become a more and more serious issue in NZ and their demands are insatiable. They will never stop..... Sue

*We are becoming a racially divided country. Elsa

*We are one nation and one people Wasted money which could be better used elsewhere. John

*I agree that this biased committee is an outrageous use of tax payers money and should be stopped immediately, but pigs might fly before this corrupt bunch consider the people before their own futures! Irvine

*The consequences for all New Zealanders if this racially biased review is allowed to continue is too frightening to contemplate. Albie

This week's poll asks:

Should the Prime Minister call off the Maori Party’s constitutional review?

*What a sham this is. Truly, if a new conctitution is written with the treaty as supreme law then I am packing my bags and this country will lose another 7 taxpayers. Enough of this crap! Pix

*Enough is enough. If something isn`t done to stop this, I will be off to Australia. Taking my educated children with me. Ellen

*I am totally dismayed and disgusted by the arrogance of these elite Maori, Maori academics and their sympathisers. These people do nothing to enhance or contribute to the wider social and economic wellbeing of New Zealand. Jeff

*Be afraid, be very afraid! Does anyone really think that John Key, having set in motion the constitutional review to placate his racist partners, will have the guts to backtrack for the good of all New Zealanders? The media, either by accident or design, shows no interest in a process that will change this country for ever. Ultimately, the only thing that might derail this devious review is one binding referendum for all New Zealanders as to whether we want a racist constitution. John

*We do not need any more race based laws! We are all equal and we are all NZers. Peter

*Maori have been pamperer too much and far to long...there are many races in NZ and all should have equal rights ...no if's and but's. Hans

*As I said before the whole Maori / Waitangi treaty issue has gone too far. June

*Stop this separatism, stop this racial privilege. Carolyn

*We are heading towards a society ruled by ethnic "warlords"; think of Somalia. Rodney

*This is far to important to the whole of NZ and should not be left to a committee every person should vote on this review. Wendy

*One law for all. Stephen

*It is an expensive sop to Maori aspirations that is in grave danger of going horribly wrong. Geoff

*If we are ever to reach the point where we live and interact as one people - then every difference of treatment that acts to separate and alienate us from each other must be expunged and abolished. Jim

*It's gone to far, stop it now prime minister. John

*Another attempt to erode what is fundamentally New Zealand to create an elite society based on Race. George

*Absolutely - there should be no longer any special treatments for different ethnic groups - we are all New Zealanders and thus should have equal rights and duties. This is no longer the 1800s!! Gerd

*We as New Zealanders do not need to end up like Zimbabwe. Neville

*N.Z moari scamming once again. Wazza

*We have such a small percentage of NZers trying to change our future for their own means. We should be one country appreciating our heritage, not having it rubbed in our faces and taken out of our pockets. Barbara

*We are one people in one small country, the Treaty is not a contract of governance nor constitutional right. Ian

*This Treaty of Waitangi debacle reads like a Walt Disney fairytale - the trouble is, it's no fairytale and it's destroying this beautiful country of ours. Watch this space should Maori not have the brakes well and truly put on them and their off the planet demands - the giant will and is awakening.. Gene

*Not against a Constitution but it should be drafted by a fair representation of all ethnicities that make up New Zealand . Ruth

*I agree with Dr Elizabeth Rata's analysis. Alan

*I worry about the future of NZ for my children and grandchildren, I don't want them to be second class citizens under Maori rule. Jacque

*It's a travesty of justice. Neil

*Good lord, how did this nonsense get so far through process without the broader population made aware? Marnie

This week's poll asks:

Should the Prime Minister call off the Maori Party’s constitutional review?

*Abolish the Tready Document and delete all reference to it in Govt. David

*The maori have gone too far and must be stoped NOW. Jim

*Because it is blatant racism. John

*The sovereignty movement is seriously on a roll and I don't think this Government has the gonads to stand up to it. John

*One of the reasons NZers are leaving to go to Australia is the stranglehold that the Treaty of Waitangi has on the country. We won't bridge the gap while the Treaty is held up as our defining document. Kerry

*The Prime Minister should go to the electorate on this issue, if he has the guts to do so he would win in a landslide. Robert

*We definitely need a Constitution, but it has to be one that preserves the rights of the smallest minority - the Individual. If this Constitution is written & policed correctly, there would be no reason for Politicians to be your representatives - the Constitution would be the only representation you would need as long as the Government were limited to upholding that Constitution, Law & Order & Defence. Chris

*Where is the media and investigative journalists who should be exposing this. Willy

*Why make a rod for our backs!! Can this be part of the reason kiwi's are leaving for OZ!! Adrienne

*This Travesty of Waitangi MUST STOP! Kevin

*It is a sad reflection of the gutless standard of our current politicians - ACT included. NZer's expect and deserve better!! Lawrie

*It is totally wrong to promote one race of immigrants over another. Either we are all equal under Law, or we destroy freedom, justice and peace. Abraham

*You are bringing these matters out in the open where most of us would not know what is going on. It is really disturbing. Jim

This week's poll asks:

Should the Prime Minister call off the Maori Party’s constitutional review?

*But he won't because he does not want to take political risks. John

*It is about time the PM started to talk straight to the country. The subject should never have been on the table in the first place. New Zealand will never be one country if this devisive path is followed.How much longer are people going to just stand by,keep paying and watch their country be sold down the river for the pursuit of short term "gain". Brain

*It would certainly solve the problem if he did abandon the process, but he won't want to upset the Maori Party! Sue

*Politics will rule over common sense. Jim

*The constitutional review is a shocker. It is a complete and utter sham but very dangerous. It should be axed right now! Paul

*Why did National agree to the review in the first place - changing our constitution should have been off limits, surely? Ken

*Anything to stop the Treaty becoming more powerful! For a short document that is 170+ years old with no real constitutional status, it is ludicrous that it is still being used to call the shots! Andy