NZ Centre for Political Research

This week's poll asks:

Do you believe that National's proposed changes to the foreshore and seabed law will damage race relations in New Zealand?

*National seem to be trying very hard to lose the next election. Tom

*Regrettably along with a number of other pieces of legislation & acts. But then, where else have National supporters to go? Dave

*I feel helpless to influence this dreadfull situation. I have written to about 20 national MPs with only one having the decency to respond. Albyn

*No chance of damaging something that has been damaged already. Ben

*I own a property close to a beach as do a local iwi. Their property is "contiguous" and so is their flouting of waterway rules. Neil

*It already has done this. I am seeing more racist remarks almost every day, and I'm becoming racist myself - not against the average Maori, but against these greedy, power hungry leaders. They want their day in court, if discussions with the Minister doesn't give them what they want, how about the rest of the population, don't we get to appeal? Isn't treason involved when Crown Land is 'given away' without a mandate? Cecelia

*1. The issues of the F & S and the ETS Scheme highlight the need for Referendums to become binding on the sitting government.
2. Sitting governments repeatedly move away from teh national interest once elected.
3. The people need the power of Referendum to restore balance to government during the term of the sitting government.
3. We need to get behond the Campaign 4 Democracy and sign the petition to place a Referendum before the people in time for the next election.
4. Contact Lary Baldock for petition forms.
Nick

*I have written to 2 Ministers about this, ETS, and other legislation, but if they ignored the smacking referendum, why will they listen now? John

*All NZ citizens should be equal. History is now too old! Colin

*The door is still open for future Maori claims. Norm

*WHAT IS GOING ON BEHIND OUR BACKS? George

*Nothing is more certain. Bruce

*I'm sick to deathof all these issues! One country,one law for everyone and the Maoris need to be treated no differently to other New Zealanders. Carolyn

*Absolutely no doubt about it. Desmond

*Wisdom is needed and big picture thinking it would appear that the govt is on the road of apartiad seperate peoples in nz and oppression by the Maori to all others when the treaty was about one people one nation and the agreements and outline of how that would work in the nation. bringing constitutional change like this radically changes our landscape in the future and holds new zealanders to ransom at the point of foreshore and seabeds caution is called for this is more serious than being politically popular and votes needed. Clare

*This is a big step to racial discord..where is the public mandate for such action. Jane

*More likely cause flat out war! Don

*To be sure, National's foreshore proposal will indeed seriously increase racial tensions in New Zealand. No doubt about it! Nigel

*It is racism & blatent discrimination. Our beaches and oceans are the very few places a family can go to enjoy some time together for free and for some families I'm sure it would be the one place they can go to get free food to feed their family when times are tough. If it gets taken away from non-iwi, tensions are going to build to frightning levels between us. Petrina

*I cannot believe what is happeneing. As an elected governement shouldn't they be acting on our wishes not hiding behind closed doors. Gary

*Foreshore and seabed belongs to ALL new zealanders. Silvia

*After reading the document I'm concerned that the legality of it will leave grey areas of racial tension. The maori of today are far removed to their heritage and should live as a member of the multi culture envirement. I have worked with Maori groups in setting up funded enterprise and they failed to show the willingness to continue making progress. They have got use to being given hand outs that there is NO insentive to strive for survival. Ivan

*Yes, it will settle past grienves, most Maori will consider that Paheha are as equal IMMIGRANTS as themselves. And this will hopefully will lead to ONE NATION, ONE ROLL and ONE VOTE as ONE VOICE. THEN hopefully they will a debate over a new written CONSTITION that suits NZ democracy!!!!!!!!?????????? Kelly

*Hon. Finlayson admitted at the Otaki Foreshore meeting that Maori ceded sovereignty to Queen Victoria and subjected New Zealand to the Magna Carta, meaning the foreshore & seabed belong to all NZers and a ban on racial laws. George

*National is simply continuing the grand tradition of (now) Sir Doug Graham of handing over vast taxpayer's wealth to unelected, undemocratic tribal groups. What can you expect? Colin

*Unfortunately, for years Maori in NZ have been told all about their rights and little of their responsibilities. The more they are given the more they want. It is a fact that Europeans have arrived here and it cannot be undone. Where injustices have been done they need to be seen to be fixed. It is a grave mistake to turn over large sections of the country or its resources to one racial group however. Currently Maori are seeking to lay claim to the electro-magnetic spectrum, something they would not be aware of without European scinetific endeavour. This kind of thing cannot continue without major disadvantage to the economy and to non-Maori. In spite of decades of bending over backwards in an effort to placate increasingly strident and unreasonable Maori demands, race relations have inevitably worsened in NZ to the point where a Maori MP now feels quite comfortable describing his non-Maori constituents as white mother f*****s and faces little in the way of punishment, censure or discipline for so doing. Enough. Time to stop the Waitangi gravy train and de-rail its lawyers. Charles

*Separate development in this country has already damaged race relations almost to a point of no return! Kenneth

*I had been lead to believe that equality for all was the aim not separatism. Pat

*The buggers have gone mad! Peter

*How long before the festering sore becomes septic? We have a Prime Minister and Attorney General who are desperate to sell out white New Zealanders - hopefully their arrogance and ignorance will bring about the same result as has just happened across the Tasman. Craig

*The only national interest that the Nats. are interested are there own, they obviously have no interest in the future of NZ or NZers with race-based separatist policies. Who said Greenpeace-type policies will still be popular when the next election rolls around? This is one woman who won't be voting John Key - its the racist constitution-changing policy not the man we're concerned about, stupid! Monica

*We have been sold down the drain. Barry

This week's poll asks:

Do you believe that National's proposed changes to the foreshore and seabed law will damage race relations in New Zealand?

*Apartheid in favour of the Maori is on our doorstep! David

*Of course it will, how could it not, it's another classic case of reverse apathied. Tony

*The Crown should always retain title of the foreshore & seabed, including the air above the ocean and the soils rocks & minerals below it, for ALL New Zealanders regardless of race. Murray

*John Key is severely testing the intelligence and patience of the NZ electorate with his behind-the-scenes deals with interest groups and National will no doubt pay for it in the upcoming elections. My vote will go to ACT and that's final! Helena

*Absolutely Yes, Race based privlage to the core. I was born here, grew up here, and I've never even left the country. I guess we are all equal, but some are more equal than others...! Roger

*For a number of years now the direction and successes of Maori claims under the Waitangi Treaty have been draining the public purse, not only in the final settlements reached, but also in the huge amount of legal work, investigations etc. undertaken. The average person attempting to improve their own life becomes disenchanted as his/her taxes are redirected. Eventually an explosion occurs - or they move overseas to avoid it. Some parallels can be drawn from Germany prior to WWII when the general populace was mobilised against a race trying to live their daily life. How much more can the NZ public take, being constantly hit over the head with a treaty 150+ years old. Victor

*What the hell is Key doing? Oh thats right - he's greasing up to the Maori party for next elections!! See right through the hollow little man. Rick

*Race relations will be damaged by the change in law because it fosters resentment because we are forced into being treated differently and to give away what we should all own. Colleen

*By allowing ownership and or control of the seabed and forshore based upon race, especially a minority group, is contrary to the interests of all New Zealanders. Steve

*Yes, unfortunately there will be irreparable damage done to race relations. This may culminate in bloodshed. What a stupid and dangerous pathway the government has taken us down. Peter

*Definately! John Key is keeping this under wraps and the media is obeying his command. Most people don't have a clue what is happening and John Key wants it that way. I use to be a national supporter, no longer. Jack

*That's if it could get any worse. Grahame

*Not only will it damage race relations it will be National's death knell as a disenfranchised public protest at the way they have been manipulated. With Dr Brashs' Orewa address it should have become obvious that the vast majority of "silent" NZers oppose Maori favouritism. John Key is a very dangerous person. In the Investment banking world he was dubbed the smiling assassin for good reason. There is another reason to investigate his choice. Is the fact that he was a banker a coincidence? I suggest people do some homework on how the money system work and why money creation is money = debt. Carol

*It is the thin edge of the wedge. It is getting thicker! William

*It is time for those that claim to be Maori to prove that they have no other DNA [blood] this whole thing could be done away with if we all had to be DNA tested. John

*I have lost all confidence in National. Peter

*We should all be treated equally. Jim

*At present we have Aparthide in NZ, in favour of the Maori. GSW

*There could well be serious race disturbances in New Zealand in time to come. It has happened in other areas and will happen here. Brian

*Yes and more - consider the real agenda - the global one! Rod

*It will, by providing privilege to a section of society, create the the greatest racial division ever seen in this country. Graham

This week's poll asks:

Do you believe that National's proposed changes to the foreshore and seabed law will damage race relations in New Zealand?

*It won't damage it, it will destroy it and the country with it. I have been a National supporter all my life and am just writing a letter to cancel my membership and ask for a refund. Why would you want to belong to a party which ignores a referendum on the smacking law, initiating an ETS whan they said they would be followers rather than leaders, opening up the foreshore and seabed debate without mandate from the people who elected them and approving the indigenous rights charter. Chris Findlayson is a pompous and self opinionaated pratt and for him to be an arbitor on anything is courting disaster. Mike

*This issue shows just how totally dis-honest and rotten poltics has become, Politicians don't give a stuff about public opinion until just befor elections then it's trot out lies! Stan

*Since the Kirk labour Govt in the 1970's and the subsequent moves to allow treaty claims backdated to 1915 and then 1840 race relations have deteriorated as the iwi claims and Govt hand outs increased. Next Maori was made an official language at vast cost and detriment to our school curiculums. This all pales into insignificance whe I consider what John Key and Finlayson supported by the Natoional party pandering to the Maori party in the hope they will be kept in power for many terms.[hence the refusal to give the electorate a proper referendum on MMP] I despair for the future of this once great country! Irvine

*It will accentuate what has already happened (dis ) courtesy of Mr.H.Harawira. Peter

*I have had a complete gutful of Key; Smith and their band of intelectually deficient followers. There must be a way to get some sense from the media, even if we have to start a nation wide petition. Malcolm

*Absolutely. But its in our hand to tell National MP's in no uncertain terms, that to go ahead means they lose the next General Election. Vic

*My children and grandchildren will be charged to go to the beaches and not even allowed on others. This is a version of aparthied. How about one rule for all. Rick

*At least it gives harmed Maori a chance to take their grievances to court; but despite that, changes to the S & F L won't make much difference. Regardless of any law or settlements there will always be grudges; they're part of the culture. Don

*Even the redneckers will benefit by the changes. Rawiri

*The longer Maori ride the gravy train - aided by duplicitous or foolish politicians furthering their own agendas or power-trips - the longer and deeper grows the racial divide in NZ. Enough is now becoming far too much. This division makes one united New Zealand become an impossible dream. And to what end? Maori and non- Maori NZ ers simply cannot co-exist in a racially divided country.Not only will driving the gravy train keep us all poor it will never bring closure or harmony. We will be facing yet more generations of division, unrest and strife. Frank

*We rejoiced with Nelson Mandela and South Africa for dismantling apartheid. Now we're heading down the opposite track with laws that are race-based and race-biased. Laurence

*Not only race relations but also the right of all New Zealanders to be treated as equals in their native land. Keith

*This is very poor negotiations The seabed and foreshare belongs to all New Zealanders no matter what colour or creed any change to this will create a real rift between New Zealanders. Jonesey

*It is time to stop patronising one race just because they are not white. All NZers should be one people. Roger

*I will never vote National again after 51 yrs of doing so. They are liers and cant be trusted any-more. No one is allowed an opion. Dont do as i do, do as your told!!!!!! Barry

*It is impossible to understand what National what is going on in our Leader's mind. National has lost the plot. This Country will never again be One Nation while JK "divides and conquers" socialist style. Marx and Lenin would be proud of him.....or those idiots that are pulling his strings. Ced

*Gimme gimme gimme - IWI (I want it). Wally

*Unbelievable....this is the same group that said they were going to abolish the Maori seat because they are blatantly racist yet they are introducing racist legislation. Keith

*This is a very deliberately loaded question and the correct answer to it would be yes. However I answer 'no' because something constructive needs to be done here. The alternative to National not doing anything is that it remains the same and so damages race relations by Maori being hurt by lack of action for what they believe should happen for them. There will be pakeha upset by Nationals present proposal here as there will be Maori if they don't get their greviences addressed to. Hence either way there will be some grevience carried by the disenfranchised race. However for Maori it is an historical claim by way of the essence of The Treaty of Waitangi. For pakeha, it is a claim to not loose what we have gained. Two totally different perspectives. John

*The squeaky wheel gets the most oil, how true. Benjamin

*85% of New Zealanders cannot allow 15% to take over so of course race relations will be damaged. Ronmac

*I'm sorry I voted for these clowns....I won't be again...Donald

*Most definitely because they a so ridiculously unjust, and founded upon false, contrived myth. Gordon

*It is in complete contrast to the first clause in the Treaty of Waitangi. Graham

*History has proved that one country, one people, one law. Anything else causes endless friction and even war. Pillay

This week's poll asks:

Do you believe that National's proposed changes to the foreshore and seabed law will damage race relations in New Zealand?

*John Key is a show off. Lorna

*And it shows again National's Caucus cannot keep the party true to its principles. Bernard

*Race relations are already damaged and will continue if Maori keep pushing for more and more. Mary

*How much longer will we continue to be appalled at this governments arrogance and stupidity! Keith

*"tikanga" is so purposely(?) vague that it can be interpreted in any way whatsoever Beware! Eneka

*I could not think of a better way to set this country a drift than this stupid legislation. One country one set of laws. If they follow this path it is the stone end of the national party, and is very scary. John

*The divide between Maori and the rest of New Zealand's population is becoming more evident every day. The damage that's been done over the last 10-15 years, will take generations to fix. Personally, I think some of these politicians and activists should be tried for treason. Brent

*It will ultimately result in bloody war ... again. For those who didn't hear a Maori elder whose name I cannot recall, stated that the reason Maori had such a dreadful record of violence, is "because they have only had about 50 years of Western influence and still needed time to adjust." I have to assume that he was saying that Maori as a race, were still savages. I'm not saying that, but this particular statement was made publicly, on televison. I have to say I believe he is essentially correct. Evolution takes time ... so if we give over control of the country to people with this uncivilised attitude, then New Zealand is doomed for many, many years to come. Dianna

*What did we really expect when our chief negotiator (with his vested interest)was negotiator for Ngai Tahu against the crown and now obviously has a foot in both sides, but mostly in the part-Maori side? Key needs a kick where his mother never kissed him. When is he going to consult with the 90% population who are NOT part-Maori? Between the Maori and the Chinese buy-up of NZ, Australia looks more and more attractive. Carolyn

*There exists within the National Cabinet a group who openly advocate anti-democratic policies that are attuned to the UN's One World Governance Model. They include the Prime Minister and up to 67% of his cabinet and 50% of his caucus. This grab for power by a self appointed elite against the express needs and opinion of the majority of New Zealanders expresses the 'soft tyranny that is endemic in the progressive liberal wing of the party. The answer to this swing left by National is to attack those progressives at the branch selection stage. Only be deselecting progressives and nominating traditionalist National members can NZ hope to roll back this power grab by the progressive (social (ist) left faction. Peter

*I live in the Far North and over the past 26 years I have noticed a huge change in race relations and a Them and Us attitude. Both personal safety and property risk (vehicles being vandalised or stolen) is a major problem to fishermen accessing many coastal areas in the Far North. After 26 years fishing in the region I and many other fishermen no longer fish at any location where our vehicles are not visibly near by. I am 60 years old and resent being informed by young maori children that this is NOT my beach or property and have been warned of the extreme risk to my vehicle if it is left unattended!! This situation will divide NZ like nothing else. In the Far North europeans are regarded by the local maoris as second class citizens and currently a necessary evil. A great shame. I am a 4th generation NZ'er and have nowhere else to go. I will NEVER vote for the National Party again!! Bruce

*This gives Maori absolute right over all New Zealanders. Russell

*Too much is being given away to the Maoris. It has always been known that you give them an inch and they want a mile so it is time to call a halt to all their claims as it is casting the tax payers in this economic climate far too much. Judith

*I think it should be left as it is until this can be resolved I am wondering what is in this for the Nats? Sheilagh

*I wonder if non Maori New Zealanders will ever get a future apology and vast amounts of compensation for the wrongs and racial discrimination we are currently living under? The Moriori never did. Maybe we all need to leave the country, then return and kill and eat the remaining inhabitants - would prevent all those later grievance pacts. Susan

*Another giant step backward into MOARI APARTHEID. The fuzzy-wuzzy, tar-brushes are STUPID as well as FAT if they think the New Zealanders who get off their ar*e and EARN A LIVING will sit back and pay EVEN MORE to these FAT, LAZY, RACIST, CANNIBALS. Who will pay their bills and keep them in luxury when all of the tax payers have gone? As Bishop Tamaki has said before: Enough is Enough. Mark

*This will result in the National Government being wiped out next election. Our family who have served in 3 major wars for NZ intend to never again vote National. We refuse to regard ourselves as second class citizens of GOD'S OWN. Forbes

*Quite the opposite. David Round has said a few times that race relations may deteriorate to the extent that civil war is a possible outcome. I suspect he may be right. Ray

*I have major concerns to the proposed changes to the current law! Chris

*Of course this will damage race relations in New Zealand, and certainly more than anything from the past. This could lead to bitter violence between races and a huge exodus of people who just do not want any part of what this country becomes. It will certainly also mean sudden and long term general hatred of the National government and National Party from at least four fifths of the present population. John Key, you make this move at your own peril, the peril of your government and the peril of your party. Rob

*National's sellout on the foreshore & seabed will be the death knell for the National Party. John

This week's poll asks:

Do you believe that National's proposed changes to the foreshore and seabed law will damage race relations in New Zealand?

*As a life long supporter of National, I am beginning to wonder! Adrian

*For National to believe they have a mandate for this legislation smack of arrogance in the extreme. Paul

*John Key's first mistake was inviting the Maori Party to be in the Governing Coalition. Kerry

*In an almost unthinkable situation, Key is doing more damage than the previous Labour administration. His thinking is obviously that the maori vote is far more important than other New Zealanders' rights. Gavin

*Enough is enough. The forshore and seabed belongs to all NZers, not just the ones with a bit of brown blood. Lets stop being racist and repeal all race based law. Help the poor by all means - white, yellow and black folk can be poor too!! Peter

*It sure will as well as widen the poverty gap by making a few wealthy. Billy

*If the seabed and foreshore is claimed by Maori I believe we will have civil war in New Zealand, the seabed and foreshore belong to all the people, not just a few. Carolyn

*Just one more step down the road to Govt endorsed apartheid. Where's John Minto now? John Key is clearly no Churchill - appeasement seems to be Key's only solution to everything. I wonder what it would take for Key to say 'enough is enough'. By the time the penny drops it will be too late. Gary

*Perfect recipie to strip a country of it's soveriegnty and ignite a civil war. Well done little Johnny, just what your NWO masters ordered. Robert

*I do not understand why Key is so hellbent on a destructive collision course with the non Maori part of the population. One thing is for sure; he has lost my vote in the next election. EJ

*Just opening the floodgates for more claims that you and I will have to pay for. Harry

*I don't think that the average everyday person on the street will hold animosity toward each other or say their workmates.
But behind closed doors there will be a seething of anger toward Maori "leaders" and politicians in any party that supports this bill. Rather a sad situation but one of their own making. Bill

*Relationship is brittle enough now, with National being put to bed by the Maori, without this. Alan

*Hands up all those who wish now that they had now voted National when Don Brash was leader, it was a brilliant move by Labour to insert Key into the Nats and win the last election, he only needs to finish getting the Green's on board and his work is complete, oh (side issue) if landcorp get the Crafer farms I wonder how long it will be before they become part of the next "suck up" deal to the Maori sovereignty party. John

*It is sowing the seeds for civil uprising, the scale of which has never been seen in this country before. Maori are bleeding this country. The majority have had a guts full. Bruce

*Where will it end and when do I qualify as an indiginous person. Bruce

*Can not understand the Govt mentality in it's approach to changing the foreshore law It will certainly stir up racial division to a greater degree Why can we not be one nation with out one group thinking they are supreme when the majority are more european blood lines than any thing else intesting how the histrory that we were taught 60 years ago is no more relavent I again ask why. Russell

*It will drive an even bigger wedge into the mix as once again Maori will make claims and be given special rights above other New Zealander's - contrary to the original Treaty. Barry

*Step by step to apartheid. Once this racist government has given away large chunks of the country to a cultural minority the only way back to one rule for all would be through violence. Are they too stupid to realize this? John

*Of course it will - it open a 'Pandora's Box' of ongoing friction & resentment! John

*What race relations ?? The Maori's get what they want and the majority have to go along with it! Arthur

*People will have two options; leave the country or prepare for land wars. The sooner people see through John Key's (funny that it sounds like Donkey cos he is an ass) interest in governing NZ is nothing more than an ego trip and like Helen desperate to stay in power. Nigel

*I must say that our anger should not be directed against Maori, but against the weak-kneed liberal National Party politicians, and especially John Key. He is undoubtedly on of the worst and most pragmatic people who have led this country. This man doesn't seem to act from principle, only from what is popular at the time. Very scary. Walter

*Seems strange - Maori title was based on occupancy, he who occupies rules. No enduring title as each tribe wiped out the other - so they now want to use Pakeha title concept on Maori 'biggest warparty' occupational rules?? Get out of here! Cliff

This week's poll asks:

Do you believe that National's proposed changes to the foreshore and seabed law will damage race relations in New Zealand?

*This land belongs to all who have lived and worked hard to make N.Z. what it is today, regardless of race or colour. We must all own every aspect of our land, unless we are out to damage it. Those who love this country and treasure it should prevail in joint ownership and decision- making. Nancy

*Maori are not indigenous.They immigrated during a period of recorded history.Any indigenous right should be to the land they emmigrated from (Hawaiki?). They have not had any special right, nor should they have, to the foreshore and seabed. It belongs to all NZ. Bruce

*In the long-term, but in the short term it will outrage radical maori who will do the haka and do other threats. JD

*Of course National is going to damage race relations. I feel gutted by what they are doing. The problem is that they have become incredibly arrogant and don't care. I wish the opposition was stronger as faltering in the polls is going to be the only way they will sit up and listen. Barbara

*How I wish Don Brash was Prime Minister - if he was, this nonsense would not be happening. This increase in racial division is making our family think seriously about moving to Australia. Jim