NZ Centre for Political Research

This week's poll asks:

Do you agree that major constitutional change without a public referendum is illegitimate?

*No matter what we think it will happen. John Key will be 'comfortable' with that. I am so over this Maori crap. I am sick of living in a racist country and i patiently await John Minto coming to HARC, Halt all racist constitution. Chris

*The vote should be at least 75% in favour. Keith

*I have found no working class that know anything about this issue. Neil

*The notion that skin colour determines primacy is very flawed. Rodney

*Totally undemocratic. Edmund

*Sounds like the maori party are trying to get a dictatorship. Ross

*Not that any political party cares as they all suck-up to the Maori Party and sell NZ down the river. Actually, they don't sell it, they give it away with large chunks of cash. Gary

*We are all NZers and no one should be favoured above others. ONE LAW FOR ALL. Donald

*This debacle should sell newspapers. Why are the major papers not publishing these facts? Has this National Government got them under raps? We are looking at a potential in fact real disaster for the future of this country if they are allowed to get away with it. A public binding referendum is mandatory. David

*This reason, above many others, is why my wife and I have lost faith in John Key's government and we have joined the Conservative party who vow to instate binding referendi. Peter

*How can it be anything else but illegitimate? Mary

*Everyone is equal; no race is superior and everyone should have their say---not through cross party negotiations. The politicians have their own agendas. Janet

*The treaty should be discarded, Maori are interpreting it to suit Maoridom , this is a Multi race country .As always it's the sneaky "elite" that is blackmailing a naive govt. think " Underpants". Hugh

*It wont be binding, without a proper vote. Mike

*That should not even be discussed in the year 2012 !! Werner

*Constitutional change without a public referendum is tantamount to dictatorship. Peter

*If this happens I would say at least 2000000 folk would be Australia bound. John

*If this happens, it will favour unfairly, one ethnic group,the Maori. Vivian

*Let us have a binding referendum with a full public discussion of the pros and cons first. Rob

*The whole idea is ridiculous. Noela

*Why are the media and political commentators not screaming this from the rooftops? This is frightening. Liz

*Any major change to our constitution must be supported by at least a majority of the public or it is destined to fail. A constitution which is based on the Treaty of Waitangi is frought with danger given there appears to be two separate versions of that Treaty. Eric

*Of course changing anything constitutional must be subjected to a public referendum. Anything else is not democratic and completely out of the question. Also, for the greedy maoris to be the ones actually carrying out a review of New Zealand's constitution is unacceptable. Neil

*We need a new party that will look after small business that generate the wealth in this country, & then cut out all this nonsense we have to put up with these small parties in government. Geoff

*I'm of the dump the treaty to museum status - an interesting piece of archaeology and nothing else. When you have part maori, part chinese and pure european grandchildren who could all be treated differently under the law it's time to say no more and ensure we vote for a political party with big enough coyonnes to say enough is enough - one set of laws and no privilege groups/breeds. Alastair

*I cannot understand how a minority group within a minority group can have so much say in the future of my country.It must go to the people for a decision. Bill

*I am very concerned that our apathy could have long term irreversable and frightening consequences. Grant

*Do I want a race-based review of the Constitution - HELL NO !!! Carl

*What Bill English thinks about this is irrelevant. What Chris Findlayson thinks, is of more importance. This man is doing his utmost best to turn this country into one of the most divided countries in the world. Why has this question of bipartisan democracy in NZ not been raised at question time in the New Zealand Parliament. Surely a change of our constitution, and our Bill of Rights to this degree must be subject to a referendum involving us all. Whanau Ora now appears to have a mandate to assist overstayers, who have been convicted of crimes of violence against whanau, be eligible for assistance from an Iwi based government body. Perhaps Whanau Ora could apply for Legation status in Palestine. Some of the lunatics there would be able to offer advice on our democratic system, and its operation. We are heading down a road that will gaurantee us an awful lot of pain.Try bringing this on, and you will be bound to really bring it on. Wiremu

*Totally undemocratic without full public disclosure and the opportunity to vote in a referendum. Tony

*Having lived in an apartheid community for 40 years, my advice is: don't go there. Michael

*Time to make this point on both radio and tv. Roy

*But there again there are too many sheep in NZ... Christopher

*The slippery slope to anarchy if this goes ahead! Brian

*Totally illigitimate & totally unnecessary. Most of all, unwanted! Dave

*Binding referenda should be held regularly if we are to claim to be a democracy. Max

*Where is the Labour party in all of this?
Surely they could do with the positive spin of laying the whole deal out in laymans terms for all to see?
I can only assume that they are turning a blind eye for some undetermined political reason.........after all, they could make a meal of it if they so chose......and lord knows they need the brownie points. Jerry

*The will of the people is the only legitimate foundation of any government, and to protect its free expression should be our first object. - Thomas Jefferson. Monica

*It is in the national interest to use the people's will through Referendum. So what does the historic records of government continually refusing this mechanism concerning controversial issues tell you?
It indicates that governments are disrespectful of democracy itself! Both sides of the house are equally to blame!!! Frederick

This week's poll asks:

Do you agree that major constitutional change without a public referendum is illegitimate?

*If this treaty based constitution issue was debated in the public arena and then put to a referendum this issue would be thrown out on it's ear and that is why I think this is being done behind closed doors and in secret. It is undemocratic. Don

*Is there no end to the arrogance of our politicians?
Most of them should be dumped. We'd be better off with men and women of ability and integrity standing as Independent MPs.
Let's face it - we have a pretend democracy with self serving politicians choosing to follow the dictates of their Party Bosses rather than the wishes of the people who are paying their salaries.
The country is heading for disaster if we don't have a political house cleaning. Denis

*It is not only illegitimate but undemocratic. If National with other parties continue on this track then only solution to regain democracy is a revolution. Failing that, then non co-operation and an Irish type Boycott with every branch of government both Central and Local is our only chance for freedom. Brian

*Absolutely not!!!Why are we not considered when important changes etc are made? We are living here too!not just politicians. Anna

*Most definitely yes. I'm wondering if these newsletters get forwarded to the major papers. One wonders at their silence and would have thought they would have loved to expose what is happening in our country. Why are they silent? I just know the people are going to wake up when it is far too late. The damage will be done. Many have absolutely no idea as to what is happening and sleazy Finlayson is gleefully giving away our country lock stock and barrel from behind his office door. Surely this is treason of the highest order. B+H

*If this change goes through, I will close my business and move my family back to Australia for good.
This makes me ashamed to be a Kiwi.
At least Aussies have a sense of fair play, and are not afraid to stand up for it. In Aussie, this would be called 'Un Australian', which is a nice way of insulting someone who is responsible for something morally wrong.
What an absolute disgrace to this once wonderful country that we could find ourselves in this position. Andrew

*Disgusting. The underhand way key and that twerp, list member Finlayson (poof) are colluding with these racists is stunning. I don't believe Key wants to lead the Nats next election, and will probably make his permanent home in Hawaii or somewhere offshore. He doesn't appear to give a damn about us average Kiwis or future generations. No wonder so many good citizens are leaving NZ to be replaced by what???? Carolyn

*The public must have an input into any constitutional changes made. Gail

*A major constitutional change without a referendum was possible under Nazism, in the USSR, & under Mao Tse Tung and look what happened to the people who lived under those regimes.
Think of Mugabe and wake up, kiwis! Eneka

*I'm sick of special deals for a group who survive on an entitlement mentality. Mark

*It is only too obvious why National and the Maori Party are doing everything to avoid an open approach by initiating a binding referendum re any changes of our constitution. If there was a referendum, I am absolutely positive that a overwhelming majority of New Zealanders would oppose the integration of this pseudo treaty into the constitution. I also blame the other parties to be as guilty as them by not questioning these undemocratic activities.But this is where we are now: the democracy in this country has been eroded to a point where political brinkmanship and underlying fascistic principles are applied to achieve total control.This is actually nothing else but treason and these instigators should be removed from office and held accountable for their actions in the High Court (which does include the misappropriation of taxpayers money to support these unlawful activities).
I also consider these actions to be a massive breach of our human rights. Michael

*We now should gather our own constitutional details - some goe back before Magna Carta of 1215, e.g. in HALSBURY'S Annotated Laws, re Private Fishery, using antiquated words, GETS easier. A
'several/severed fishery is an exclusive right to fish in a given place. (Hanbury v Jenkins [1901]
2 Ch. 401, &c...
'it is an incident of the ownership of a river that is not tidal and navigable. In todal waters , where the public have a right to fish + the soil belongs to the Crown, a title claimed under a royal gr ant must.. rest on a grant made before the Magna Carta (Stephens v Snell [1939] 3 All E R. 622.
sEE 'PRIVATE FISHERIES' 17 Halsbury's Laws (3rd Edition) 303 et seq.

I came to 'love' 3rd ed., while on Book Eight, 'The Common Law of Fisheries.' Jean

*From the point of view of the people being sovereign and what should be a proper policy of equal rights for all, it is a disgrace.
Sadly, however, with the enormous power that any political party in office has acquired by default, this government seems to have decided that it can do what it likes, regardless of the views of those it is supposed to represent.
This is the time for us to let it be loudly known that this is something we will not tolerate. Beverley

This week's poll asks:

Do you agree that major constitutional change without a public referendum is illegitimate?

*Democracy is allowing ALL people freedom to engage in the pursuit of life and happiness without interference from others, not two wolves sitting amongst ten lambs voting (on a preferential age basis) for what we will have for lunch. Anthony

*Key and Finlayson must have taken lessons from Putin and Medvedev. The idea of a constitution based on the vague principles of the treaty of waitangi is a death knell for NZ democracy. Irvine

*Yes, of course it's illegitimate. But then, so are both National & Labour (and the Greens & the Maori Party), as they are all NOTHING more than vassals of the UN & their globalist masters. Indeed, our entire "democracy" & the fractional-reserve monetary system propping it up are nothing more than shams that will collapse soon, for the evil behind to be revealed. By the time that happens, and the foolish self-interested "politicians" realise they've been had, it will be all over but the shouting. The social & financial disasters about to descend on us make having a good old 8-point earthquake or 30-foot tsunami seem like good things... Peter

*The Treaty of Waitangi should be ripped up into a thousand pieces. Roy

*Hang in there Muriel. I was told you can boil a goldfish without it noticing if you increase the temperature slowly enough. I get the feeling we are being slowly boiled. Ron

*We must have a referendum. As my father would say "I may have to carry arms on this one". Frank

*This will create massive racial problems. Everyone in NZ should be equal. Barrie

*I cannot believe this is happening in "my" New Zealand. Roderick

*Off to Australia with the rest if that happens. Duane

*Naturally. The antics of both politicians and the so called maori leaders on this matter is a disgrace and the government deserves to be flung out on a vote of no confidence. Paul

*It's an outrage that Maori Elite are not only the drivers of the review, but also the most involved in the treacherous process that has been set in motion. National had better come out very soon with some sort of public declaration of what is going on behind closed doors. It's an outrage of the most despicable kind. Dianna

*Why should one radical race lord it over the rest of New Zealanders when we are already bending over backwards to satisfy there excessive and totally ludicrous claims which are making NZ a third world bankrupt country. David

*No Brainer again. Roger

*Illegimate or not a referendum should be mandatory. It should come with plenty of public education. Eleanor

*While parallels with Egypt and Zimbabwe is 'drawing a long bow' there is no question that the process being followed here leaves me most uncomfortable. The process is alarmingly one-sided and open to manipulation. Bruce

*We are in dangerous territory. Desmond

*HEAVEN HELP US IF THE MAORIS CONTROL OUR COUNTRY. PETER

*Absolutely YES!! We still live in a democracy, Keys,- and any other leader who puts his or her own agenda before what is best for our beloved country. This country belongs to 4 million other people of varied colour, race and creed - all with as much right to be here as any politician or part Maori (for there are no full blooded Maoris alive today!) Let's all join the 21st century!!! Sarah

*Would one trust the greens, one thinks not. Sam

*BINDING Public Referendum only! Robert

*Why are we wasting another $4M of public monies assisting Maori Party propagate nonsense? A referendum would certainly be a more legitimate use of that money. Lloyd

This week's poll asks:

Do you agree that major constitutional change without a public referendum is illegitimate?

*It's absolutely ridiculous to enshrine the damned treaty!!! Rick

*Isn't it time Government listened to the electorate? Brian

*Not only is it illegitimate, I think it goes against the foundations of Democracy. Rosalie

*I'd like an assurance from PM John Key that no constitutional changes will happen without public referendum. Barbara

*The ridiculous decision to subject animals to LD50 testing for what are essentially illegal recreational drugs (APPALLING!!!! Where is the petition against this??)is mere smoke and mirrors to take the publics attention away from the REAL issues such as constitutional change. What sort of government IS this? Good stuff being done, though, at parliamentary level, with the changes to local government responsibilities, from what I can gather. Sharen

*Maori should prove they are Maori by Blood DNA. John

*I am beginning to think the National Govt.is turning in to dictator ship.eg., the amalgamation of councils into one big money grubbing Auckland City Council with only self agrandizement at the fore. We should have one Law for all and a constitution void of the treaty of Waitangi. Brian

*Again complacency is allowing our country to head toward conflict we neither need or want. John

*It is like being referred to as a European New Zealander or Pakeha. it is offensive on many levels. Craig

*It is not only unthinkable and unlawful it is completely undemocratic! Fraser

*Simplify the question would get a better response. Lorraine

*The lawyers are the only ones coming out better off! David

*This proposal would be the official commencement of racial division if it comes into law. There must be a referrendum. Brian

*It is as illegitimate as the politicians who propose it. Peter

*Why are these major threats to nz not shown on tvnz every night? and let the public know whats ahead of them. or have threats been sent already?!!!!! John

*I don't believe that the government has the testicular fortitude or the acum to deal with our darked skinned bretheran. Then again they need them to stay in power. So what happens next election labour green coalition. whats the opening line, to advance Australia Fair. Peter

*The media are conspicuous by their absence of reporting on the constitution questions. Why? John

*Of course its not...democracy has gone in this country just noting the action regarding the TPPA...its just a joke...this country is surely but clearly being taken over by a small majority of people who inflict their wishes on all of us without any consultation whatsoever ...and I thought we were supposed to be one country...yeah that's a joke. Audrey

*Who are the "racists" in this country? Who are the ones pushing for two cultures? I thought we were supposed to be one country. A binding referendum is the only way to settle this - provided it is worded clearly. Sheila

*Unbelievable arrogance and stupidity on the part of the National Government. Les

This week's poll asks:

Do you agree that major constitutional change without a public referendum is illegitimate?

*Unbelievable that it is even being considered. Adrian

*This is a cynical betrayal of NZ. Any constitutional review should have been part of the election campaign. Shame on National. Shame on ACT as well for letting their ego's destroy the party as this country is screwed without a liberal right element in government. Willy

*On the matter of a Treaty based constitution, is John Key naïve, stupid or so hands-off in his dealings with his racist government partners that he does not realise the long term implications for New Zealand (soon to be renamed Aotearoa, also, of course, by broad cross party agreement). John

*Waitangi is the sacred cow that must NOT be adhered to especially now. Many items were not even dreamed of at the time the 'treaty' was created so are illigitimate of course to even consider as a part of this outmoded parchment, and this includes water, foreshore/seabed rights, current mining and oil exploration, communication electronics-- the works. Glen

*But that will not stop the APARTHEID elite of RACIST moaris from doing it anyway. Mark

*This is the tail wagging the dog. Act is quiet on the issue. It needs to be raised by a major party and the public made aware of this racist rubbish. Gavin

*The arrogance recently displayed by Chris Finalyson in relation to this whole debacle is deplorable. His attitude gives a clear heads-up on where this is all heading. Jeff

*Australia is looking better every day. Ian

*But this is nothing new. Since the early eighties, there has been so much legislation passed by 'conscience vote' etc., none of which is democratic, that I believe true democracy in N.Z. died years ago. I don't see any hope of a resurrection! David

*Because none of our MPs can be trusted to make any changes. Barry

*Of course it is !!!! Why would anyone think that a change to the nations constitution without a referendum is the right thing to do??? June

*Its outrageous that it has even come to this but I wonder if most NZers would bother to vote or even care. With the the Foreshore & Seabed debacle I had great plans to secure hundreds of signatures and forward this newsletter to many contacts but I was asked by nearly all my contacts to please stop sending them and when I asked amongst my "friends" for signatures I was given such a thorough blasting that I decided not to waste my time any further. We have subsequently sold up and are leaving for Australia - with deep sadness. Shirley

*Of course it is, however, the vast majority of apathetic, heads down, white Kiwi's, just wish all this stuff would go away... John

*Absolutely! NO constitution changes without referendum and principle of equal rights under the constitution and laws for all N.Z. citizens. John

*What should happen is the review should be stopped, the Waitangi Tribunal should be disbanded and no further claims be considered from NOW!! Jim

*This process is an absolute disgrace. This country urgently needs a political party that will stand up for the rights of non maori new zealanders. I am convinced that a party with a one law for all platform would easily get the balance of power in the next election. Please somebody step up before its to late. Graeme

*The result of a referendum would be obvious rejection. By default referenda are used by govt by default when they know they achieve the positive result they want to set a precedent otherwise they are circumvented as here. This is blatant racism for the elite maori bankers to steal yet more from those that have constructively enriched NZ;not the goblydegook mumbo jumbo pseudo religion or pious platitudes of the holyness and puerile divinity of the land just because it was taken from the original inhabitants (Celts). Maori were a dying race, now they are a making mockery of Democracy. Ghandi if asked about democracy in NZ would probably say "it would be a good idea". Taxpayers are being financially raped. Zoran

This week's poll asks:

Do you agree that major constitutional change without a public referendum is illegitimate?

*I am seriously thinking of emigrating to Zimbabwe as whites have better rights there than in NZ! Louis

*But in the upside down world we call NZ, where a racist is defined as someone who wants equality and the "independent" Waitangi Tribunal is as un-independent as you can get, and the Minister of Treaty Settlements, supposedly representing the crown, has happily become the new Maori father xmas, then watch as a new chapter in apartheid NZ is written and passed before the average kiwi knows what just happened. Derek

*Yes - no change without a referendum! End of story. Paul

*It is unbelievable that things have got to this stage. It is all done surreptitiously so the average Kiwi has no idea what is going on. For the National party to collude with the Maori Party's racist agenda is disgusting. National supporters should demand that National tells them where they stand on a bicultural constitution. Sandra

*We should learn from what is happening in Egypt and start protesting about where race relations is going in NZ. What about equality - isn't that a right? Or am I a racists for even suggesting it!

*I am absolutely sick to death of the racist crap that goes on in this country under the guise of "Maori rights". It has gone far enough and unless the government does something to bring us back to equality under the law, there will be trouble. Geoff