[shaggy eel]

,,, this is a result of marxist academics at the helm. Needless to say, they have a very real fear of referendums.

[blackie]

The left will have its comeuppance ~ sooner, rather than later!

Later, Im off...

[shaggy eel]

Labour’s consultative hui with Maori on the beaches and foreshore issue are over, with John Tamihere claiming not one useful thought was offered. Nor has there been useful consultation with the rest of the nation on what they would like to happen. The hui process was a sham, set up by Helen Clark to try to demonstrate that she was being firm in the face of Maori demands. National attended two hui and it was clear from the speeches that Labour has raised unsustainable expectations about a Maori-Government partnership. All New Zealanders should be concerned about the momentum Labour has fostered for separatism in all our public institutions and public policy. On the seabed and foreshore issue, Labour is showing all the signs of setting up a new grievance industry based on indigenous title. The Maori Land Court would be at the centre of this and it would have considerably extended powers. At a time when we were looking forward to an end of this divisive process we are now faced with another round. National would have settled this from the outset by legislating to ensure exclusive Crown title. The beaches and seabed belong to everyone. See my latest speech on this at...

http://www.national.org.nz

Bill English, leader of the National Party [September 30 2003]