NZ Centre for Political Research

This week's poll asks:

Would you support the future of the Foreshore and Seabed being subject to a binding referendum at the 2011 election?

*I have concern that the result will be a foregone conclusion. Maori will see it as a tyranny of the majority. The alternative may well be a tyranny of a minority which is worse. Neither outcome is likely to avoid conflict. Peter

*This is just too an important issue to be "rushed". Geoff

*More of the same: people passing laws who do not understand the Maori way or culture and consequently lay the way open for future abuse. David

*I am stunned at how much the government can get away with without the people who elected them having a say. Colleen

*As the discussion document stands, it sounds extremely dangerous way to go. A binding referendum sounds like a good idea with the MMP one, however Maori seats need to be abolished as a given, then the Treaty of Waitangi industry needs to be shut down forever. Separatism ideology of National's is threatening the harmony of NZ. Talk about Atlas Shrugged! Monica

*It is about time these elected wimps stopped giving in to (part) Maori demands and started to listen to the people who vote for them. John Key is a big disappointment - bring back Don Brash - at least he had the courage to say it like it should be said - ONE LAW FOR ALL. Carolyn

*Provided full factual evidence was given to the whole country. Hugh

*I am amazed at just how easy it is to con our politicians (global warming E.T.S.) and now the foreshore and seabed. We also have a P.M. who is only interested in appeasement. Labour got it right concerning the foreshore and seabed with their Act. The foreshore and seabed should be controlled by the Crown for the benefit of ALL N.Z.ers. For one race to hold special privalleges based on race is apartheid and we already have too much of that in N.Z. This Govt. seems to be determined to do anything to retain power - even bribery- as evidenced when they passed their E.T.S. Act. ( The curse of M.M.P.) The annoying thing is that global warming / E.T.S. is quite rightly disapearing from sight but we are still going to be taxed to pay for a con. This Govt. may be able to use the abovementiond tactics short term but I wonder how they are going to fare in 18 months time when they have to answer to the silent majority. This is all about easy money for Maori. Ray

*The foreshore & seabed MUST remain vested in the Crown to protect the customary rights of ALL Kiwis! Dave

This week's poll asks:

Would you support the future of the Foreshore and Seabed being subject to a binding referendum at the 2011 election?

*The forshore and sea bed are the right of all NZs, and need to be reserved as such. Robert

*But I have to wonder whether any referendum will be binding to this government. Rob

*I would want a referendum, however all the evidence thus far suggests that our politicians (of either persuasion) won't take any notice anyway. Martin

*Their is no need for A referendum but their is A need to sack A few judges and hold them in contempt of Parliament and the people. NL

*Have John Key and National been subjected to a complete take-over by the Maori Party? The manner in which they kow-tow to their every whim and fancy suggests it has. Ron

*There is a huge feeling of apprehension out here about the direction that this legislation is taking. Roderick

*However, we must acknowledge that Governments see no reason to respect the views of the people and a binding referendum may also be ignored. Tony

*As it concerns all New Zealanders the voice of all New zealanders should be heard. EJ

*This whole business of giving is just a means of paying Maori, and Lawyer millions more of tax payer money. The foreshore is everyones and the Maoris Greedies need to get a life. David

*This matter will continue to be a festering sore until all NZers have had achance to have a say. It is totally unfair that consultation should be with Maori alone. Roger

*The democratic answer is of course YES. But NZ has slipped quietly away from any questions which might result in a government having egg on its face. Yes have a binding referendum if we can. But I doubt very much whether we will even be given the chance to represent our views. This is a signed deal to ensure National remains in power with Maori support. On the other side of the ledger if Labour was in the same position they would DO exactly the same. The Reason is that under MMP Blackmail is the order of the day. Quotation from Rudyard Kipling
"And that is called paying the Dane-geld; but we've proved it again and again, that if once you have paid him the Dane-geld you never get rid of the Dane." Brian

*The Foreshore & Seabed belongs to all New Zealanders, Maoris have no more claim to it than any other race, the Foreshore & Seabed where part of New Zeland before any Person set foot here, so there is no claim by any Person. There are no Full Blooded Maoris in NZ so they are all New Zealanders with Maori Heritage. Geoff

*The Foreshore & Sea Bed act is of vital importance to us all. The current legislation is fair to everyone and there is no need to change it. The tranfer of ownership of the Pencarrow lakes when title was moved from the Crown to Iwi in a Treaty claim just recently is a classic case in point. It was a condition of settlement that access which had been in place for 80 plus years should be preserved. Within two months Maori revoked their permission with the excuse of contaminating the water quality. It was pointed out in 80 years this had not happened. Government had to step in and remind Iwi of their obligation. You can guarantee the same will arise in the controversial F/shore and S.Bed legislation if a change is made. Maori will ride rough shod over any legal obligation and assert themselves. Be warned. Colin

*From past referendums I cannot trust the Government to take notice of New Zealanders. We only have to look at the Anti smacking Bill referendum I have lost faith in National completely they are selling us out to 15% of the Population who seem to want nothing more than to take over this Country rather than what we were told by Nationals P.M. that he would make NZ ONE Country and one people, if they got elected he has sure slipped up and I cannot trust him or the Party any longer.
I cannot see a Binding Referendum working. There has been a law for the foreshore and seabed that ruled and that is what should be left so as we all can enjoy the use of same. I can see Booths being set up and a charge to the Maoris for us using same like in many other instances where they now have parts of N Z handed back to them. Marylin

*This is far to important a matter to be rushed through parliament without proper consultation. National's pambering to Maori is now completely out of hand. Ronmac

*If Maori are given rights to our seabed, I shall never vote for National again. This is just too much. I guess it's another example of how parties stay in power. I thought Helen was the past master at this. It appears Key is even better. Jasmine

*The inclusion of a Maori word that few if any people will know the meaning of, is downright mischievous. Enerka

*I don't believe in referendums. They are pointless if the govt doesnt act on the results. Ray

This week's poll asks:

Would you support the future of the Foreshore and Seabed being subject to a binding referendum at the 2011 election?

*It should belong to the crown and hence ALL New Zealanders. Maori are a minority group but seem to be the tail wagging the dog. Davis

*I'm fed up with greedy Maori, they're taking this country back bit by bit. Tony

*It is the only democratic way. Oh, democracy - I forgot, we don't live in a democracy - sorry I must have meant dictatorship. Graeme

*Essential to allow New Zealanders to have time to properly consider the complicated issues that come with the proposed Foreshore and Seabed changes. legistlation changes changes. Alan

*Race should not give some Kiwis more rights than others. Neil

*As former fishermen of Lake Taupo and use of its foreshore I well recall what happened there some 50 years ago. Mary

*No. Such a referendum requst will be ignored by this appeasing government, which I am steadily beginning to lose faith in.
Historically, Maori came to Aotearoa years ago, conquered and wiped out the original inhabitants. They have no more 'rights' than 'European' invaders and neither of us is leaving. By all means scrap the 2004 Act, ownership should remain with the crown and the concept of 'customary title' firmly vetoed. Its divisive and promulgated by individual greed. Vic

*Time the majority view is put out into the open. Time to stop the rort by so called Maori rights. I have rights in this country as well and am quite happy to take on the responsibilities that go along with them. The Maori people in New Zealand are greedy, lazy and all they want is a free ride. Neil

*This is becoming a bloody farce.There is overwhelming support for a change in the anti-smacking law and it is ignored. Everyone knows that a referendum on the foreshore and seabed will achieve a vast majority in favour of Crown Ownership as originally intended in the Treaty. We are just too democratic for our own good. A referendum would give the government the perfect "out" as the people have instructed them what to do but I don't like the chances of them agreeing to a BINDING referendum and Chris Finlayson has a conflict of interest and should step aside. Mike

*Have you seen that submission form. It's enough to scare anyone off who doesn't have a law degree and a day to spare. I sent a simple e-mail asking that they avoid political expediency. David

*The only way! John Key is proving to be a lightweight at best. His handling of big and important issues so far, especially in regard to Maoris ('Maori' if you must) and most social issues - is weak. Can he be trusted suddenly? With an election next year who would know? Frank

This week's poll asks:

Would you support the future of the Foreshore and Seabed being subject to a binding referendum at the 2011 election?

*In saying yes one must ask the question "what is a binding referendum", given that this and previous governments, ignore at a whim the wishes of the people. The debate that needs to be taking place in this country was encapsulated in last weeks subject "100 days". Until the bottom up approach to governance is adopted in NZ, nothing will change. One nation, one people, yeh right! Cyril

*If the existing legislation is working fine as it is then National should have no problem leaving it in place, after all, this was their reason for keeping the anti-smacking law. Bill

*Yes. We need to reduce the level of institutionalised racism, not increase it. Any new legislation should ensure that we all have 'customary rights' not just those with brown skin. Jay

*Labour actually got this one right, and it should not be touched. Terry

*When interviewed on TV, Finlayson arrogance was shown by the fact that iwi can go to him to decide customary right because he is A LAWYER. This man needs to be stopped. Jack

*A Referendum is the only fair way for all the citizens of New Zealand. Roydon

*I see no need for this to be discussed futher. The seashore and seabed should be available to all NZders regardless of their ethnic background. Diana

*We have to be careful, if Maoris get all the say or even part say it will cost the rest of New Zealanders. It it great how handfuls of cash seems to resolve Maori problems. Michelle

*This matter could mark a turning point in NZ's history. Everything possible must be done to stop this proposed review of the Act of 2004. Barrie

*What a shame that Don Brash never had the opportunity to show what a National party with principles could do. John

*Sadly, we can't trust this government. Roy

*Well, we have got to do something as it is clear we can't leave any of the current politicians to do anything that is right for NZ. They are a hopeless, spineless, gutless mob that we have clearly given far to much power over our lives. Ced

*Why are the Politicians choosing to forget the crux of the Treaty of Waitangi - it was to make us all "one people". Delwyn

*It shouldn't be necessary for a referendum if the country stuck to its original known state of the "Crown" owning all such areas. Roy

*Subject to how the question is actually worded; who would draft & review the wording?? Russell

*I would support a drive for a true constitution of the people, not more pleas for binding referendums, which only serve to perpetuate the notion the government is legitimate. Under current conditions the future of the foreshore and seabed isn't subject to any legislation, future, present or past. There hasn't been a "crown" since 1947. The doctrine of divisibility of the crown is establishment self serving rubbish. Not only did the statute of westminster not create a separate crown, the english crown's authority was extinguished when the english broke constitutional ties in 1947. The time will come when people will understand that there hasn't been legitimate government for more than 60 years, and that until a constitutional government of a form established through self-determination of the people exists, no laws passed are legitimate or indeed lawful. All branches of government share this terrible legacy of illegitimacy, including the judiciary whose judges have no authority whatsoever to sit. Gerard

*Foreshore and seabed belongs to all New Zealanders! Allen

*It is too important to be left to MP`s with their own agendas. Patrick

*Long term decisions on the direction of New Zealand as a whole need far wider consultation than just Iwi...there are other people involved. Lionel

*It is absolutely essential that the FandS remain as always in Crown ownership. I would go to war to preserve this. Laurie

*The foreshore and seabed must stay in crown ownership, so it's use is protected for all New Zealanders! Gary

*Last week you highlighted the lack of democracy in our nation and it is all too glaringly obvious again this week. However, what may be slipping under the radar, but was well sign-posted in your article is that our Judiciary is compounding these problems. Coupled with the revelations in Saturday's NZ Herald regarding conflicts of interest among some in the highest echelons of our Judiciary, we are almost certainly in a more parlous state than at first thought. Where has the integrity we once cherished among our leaders gone? Are we able to consider returning to the Privvy Council? At least there would be some back-stop. I'm sure that my low confidence in our Supreme Court and the Judiciary is shared by many? Peter

*With John Key and Richard Finlayson at the helm we will be treated in the same way as all referenda to date have been handled. "Go away and don't question us, we are in charge". This national govt is a great disappointment to say the least. Irvine

*The Foreshore & Seabed Act was one of the few good things to come out of the Clark regime. It is working well, why change it just to appease the Maori Party? Doug

*Most certainly, so long as it was binding and the correct quetions asked. Hopefully the govt. will listen to the people at some point, or is that too much to ask. Gary

This week's poll asks:

Would you support the future of the Foreshore and Seabed being subject to a binding referendum at the 2011 election?

*We need to have a say. John Key does not seem to think the "average" New Zealander matters once again. Lew

*Once again we are being bulldozed by inept politicians and Maori, as you say the claims will never end. Fraser

*Binding referendum is vitally important for New Zealand and is a must for the true meaning of the word democracy. Prior to the last election John Key made a clear statement for "One Law For All" To date his words and actions have proved to be quite the opposite in fact. Mavis

*Yes, providing that we have a fair chance to put the case and the government does not load the dice or stifle discussion. Janet

*There is no reason to rush this, nor is there any reason (apart from political expediency) for deals that are limited to only Maori input. A binding referendum at the time of the 2011 election would be entirely appropriate. Gavin

*Without regular binding refeerenda, Swiss style, we do not have democracy. Max

*Enough is enough. The foreshore and seabed belongs to all New Zealanders, not the minority Maori who seem to think it is OK to continue to hold this country to ransom for the deeds of the past. Exactly how many full blooded Maori are there in NZ? The races are so diluted that this sort of thing is becoming a joke. Maggie

*Yes, but it must be the right question and not one that could be interpreted as being in favour of one group of NZ'ers over another. Brian

*But I have no faith in the present or future government of New Zealand to deal fairly or honestly in this matter. Paul

*But the wording of the referendum would have to be very precisely structured. Graham

*Muriel, the National Govt is well known for not listening to the people, they are only favouring Maori for the vote next election. Rick

*Who actually puts the case for non-Maori in Treaty and related negotiations? The whole process is a farce and a scam, replacing one perceived injustice with another one. It's a good job recent Nz Govts weren't around when Hitler was destroying Europe and the Japanese were conquering Asia .... otherwise we'd all be speaking Japanese and/or German by now! Gary

This week's poll asks:

Would you support the future of the Foreshore and Seabed being subject to a binding referendum at the 2011 election?

*Yes - but would the next government take any notice of the people's majority wishes? The referendum mechanism needs fixing first. At the same time, the Treaty should be removed from all NZ legislation and locked away in a museum as a historical document of no current relevance. After that, watch out for flying pigs ...John

*I vote yes to a binding referendum but history shows us that it is a pipe dream if the result does not suit. We are one country one people and it is time we remembered that. When I wave the new Zealand flag overseas it is for all Kiwis. That is what my father fought for and I expect to be honoured. Tim

*Oscar Wilde: "Democracy means simply the bludgeoning of the people by the people for the people." Sounds ver the past 10yrs? As tho he perhaps had some fore knowledge of NZ. Doug

*A very foolish and one-sided law depriving the White poeple of the rights!!!!! Charles

*I would vote yes only if the current proposal for 'No ownership' and free access to all even across private fails to eventuate. Paul

*Of course it won't happen as no NZ Govt has the courage to oppose Maori. Selwyn

*Are we Kiwi`s or racist`s? Are we giver`s or just takers?? I say the land belongs to ALL Kiwi`s! Chinese, European, White, Maori, Samoan etc. etc!!! I am sick of hearing the bitterness coming out of some Maori mouths and making the rest disgruntled just because they feel hard done by! Just like those on a benefit really.....This land is "OUR" country! The fore shore is "OUR" foreshore! The seabed is "OUR" seabed! We should be fighting to make this country the best it can be! Not pandering to the takers and grabbers! C`Mon KIWI!! This is "OUR" country! Lets make it better for "ALL"! H. F.

*At least it would be a way of hearing from all of New Zealand and what they would like to happen at the present all but Maori are being ambushed yet again...go for it..have a referendum and see what happens. Audrey

*1. NZ is a multi cultural society. 2. We want to reserve access to NZ's foreshores against overseas or foreign interests 3. Maori were in fact not the original inhabitants of NZ so should have have priority over other cultures. David

*The current legislation and National's ongoing sell-out to Maori is disgraceful and undemocratic. Peter

*The sea foreshore and seabed is owned by the country to which it attachs. The current law is working. Why change it? Murray

*When is John Key & his colleagues going ask the people who voted for him on these important issues? Jim

*After a lifetime of supporting National I can hardly believe how John Key is selling the rest of New Zealanders rights down the river. Under his watch democracy in New Zealand is dying and not slowly either. Mike

*The Crown owns the foreshore and seabed, leave it that way...Murray

*I cannot believe the way National is rushing this through. I used to be a strong National supporter, but after the climate change legislation and now this, I think they have lost the plot. Robin

*The foreshore and Seabed must be protected by the Admirality for the security and benefit of all New Zealanders. Elvin

*Governments treatment of this issue is appalling and a way to prevent any control or the provision of so called rights by Maori must be prevented at all costs. Peter

*When I saw TV3's first item last Saturday I could not believe my ears re what Finlayson is saying. Lorna

*Although it would seem that Parliament will not listen to non maori anyway! Russell

*Is Key's secret agenda the destruction of the National Party? Chris

*Maoris are no different from other races; until they achieve for themselves, they will never be satisfied. We do them no favours by handing them things on a plate. In 50 years time we will be much more a mix of races than now, including Maoris. Our future laws should be enacted with this in mind and not based on the distant past! Don

*Far too much advantage given to silly Maori claims. Fay

*Depends on what the question is, as with all referendums. Mark

*Absolutely. I rather hoped when National got in, they would put a stop to all this. The way things are going, all non Maori might as well pack up, move across the ditch and leave New Zealand to Maori. I wonder how long New Zealand would stay afloat. Brent

*Yes, BUT!! But only if such a referendum was binding and our Governments have shown that they have no apetite for the Great majority of N.Zers to decide what they want. For purely selfish reasons the Successive Governments refuse to accept the will of the people, and we need to get more passionate about this issue!! Peter

*The Foreshore and Seabed should remain in crown ownership to protect ALL NZ citizens and the countrys natural resources. The proposed policy is race based as is this nation. The current path of this country will leed to it's eventual demise as a nation! Mark

*Let's hope it would be binding (almost unheard of in NZ) and that they can phrase the question correctly - unlike the last one. Julie

*Customary rights do not give rise to title - only use by those on possession. Frequently possession changed hands as each tribe "usurped" the preceeding tribes occupation of that right. Cliff

*NZ' should own all mountains, rivers and seabeds. Geof

*I'm very sorry that I voted National last election, I thought they would fix desperately wrong things like the foreshore & seabed, immigration, etc, etc, but i was terribley wrong, it is absolutely disgusting what these bunch of weak kneed gutless "public servants" are about to do. One can see it all happening, just like the treaty itself, it will be screwed around and come out in favour of the Maori, again, and to hell with the rest of New Zealand we are only here to pay for all this disgraceful fraud. Of course there should be a referendum in 2011 on this, it's so important. Noel

This week's poll asks:

Would you support the future of the Foreshore and Seabed being subject to a binding referendum at the 2011 election?

*New Zealand has been force fed for years that Maori are the consummate family and carers of the environment due to their “feeling” for the land, we all know their record with family and you only have to watch Coastwatch a couple of times to see their real affinity with resources, this is all about money and power, behind the paid and voluntary wailers there is a group gradually winning in their mission to control as much of New Zealand as possible (with the help of MMP Government). John

*However we know that the government of the day will ignore the wishes of the majority as "they kow better what is best" for keeping them in power and enhance their personal power/wealth/benefits. John

*But deaf-old-Key, beneficiary-Bennett, rent-a-house-English, unleavened-bread-Sharples and all of their ilk will continue to ignore the wishes of the people who PAY THEIR exorbitant WAGES. No-bollocks-Key may want moari APARTHEID, but I (for one) do not. About time these whinging, avaricious fuzzy-wuzzy moari were told to get their heads out of their collective ar**s. The path Key, Davies (nee Clark) and all the other spineless buffoons in parliament have placed us on is one which can only result in civil revolt. The people who are being BLED DRY to pay for all this chicanery are restless and calling for reason, but now it has an ""or else"" tone to it. The tree-hugging-lefty-bleeding-hearts have dragged us (against our will) down this path to ruin. Now it's time for them to reap what they have sown. Step up Key. Show us what you are made of. Or have you already? Mark

*There is a real danger that New Zealand is marching towards eventual apartheid. John

*Stop spliting the country in two. We should be one people not two. Catherine

*Yes - but it won't do us any good. NZ is no longer a democracy - we are a tribal dictatorship / UN "protectorate". The only thing that can save us now is revolution. But NZers no longer have the stomach for revolution or any sort of coercive force: unless it is applied TO them...Welcome to the end days of planet earth: less than 30 years and counting it down! Too bad that by the time the radical, rabid racist Maori and their fawning white leftie / tree-hugging sycophants realise that THEY are being used as much as we are being ABUSED, it will be all over but the final judgment. Still, it's all a storm in a teacup at the end: once Wormwood makes it's presence felt, there will BE NO NZ left to worry about. Perhaps Maori (those few who survive the world-wide Tsunami / tectonic volcanic upheaval) can try suing God in the Hague... . Peter

*Only if the binding referendum was acted upon immediately, as and for the will of the people of New Zealand. Kevin

*I believe we have to move away from filling the Maori 'gravy train' to one nation for all New Zealanders. Barbara

*A binding referendum in 2011 election would have my total support. National are getting far too cosy with the Maori Party - and why? They could govern alone - instead they are being blackmailed. Have some backbone Chris/John. Graeme

*Yes. Let us be the Switzerland of the South Pacific where the people decide the important matters and the Government only follows the requirements of the people instead of the other way around. Keith

*The whole issue needs to be established in law not by politicians or the uninformed public. Dennis

*But what is the use. No-one takes any notice. Email urgently you say. But we emailed about the ETS and still its not urgent and Australia is not proceeding but we are going ahead to the country's detriment. An overwhelming referendum on smacking was dismissed by the PM. We have no say and this new Govt is shaping up worse than the last. Who do we vote for now? I can understand why I can't find good employees in high unemployment. Anyone sensible is heading to Australia!!!! Where's there's equality for white and brown alike. Robyn

*Yes, there should be a BINDING referendum on this important matter. I can't help feeling sceptical about our "binding" referendum though. I have lost faith in our politicians who seem to run out of steam once in power, and certainly run out of courage. It is incredible that any group should want/expect to have control of God's gift to all of us! Dorothy

*As New Zealanders it is essential that everyone has a say. At present we have absolutely no say at all. This Govt certainely do not consult with the people in general. These Maori claims are like an anchor holding NZ back. We won't go forward until this nonsense is over. Helen

This week's poll asks:

Would you support the future of the Foreshore and Seabed being subject to a binding referendum at the 2011 election?

*It's time the small handful of vocal Maori were told once and for all they don't own the damn foreshore or seabed, or the airwaves for that matter. Brendan

*Yes, let the whole country have a say on the future of the seabed and foreshore instead of National and the Maori Party trying to push it through without the rest of us really knowing what's going on. Ken

*The collusion between the Maori Party and National is a disgrace - they are trying to pull the wool over our eyes. Thank you for bringing this out into the open. Sandra

*I'm so sick of all of this racism. Why doesn't the Government put a stop to it once and for all? Oh that's right, I forgot - sovereignty means power and money, just what greedy racists want. Colleen

*What a great idea - a referendum would stop this plan to give Maori control of the foreshore and seabed in its tracks. Just the sort of issue that should be the subject of a binding referendum. Carl