Letters to the editor: Māori wards bill needs fair and open discussion

Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta. Photo / File

The bill minister Nanaia Mahuta has put before Parliament is to retrospectively and under urgency pass legislation to remove the existing legislation and democratic rights of the majority of the people to vote against Māori wards.

This bill, in my opinion, is undemocratic, biased, racist and divisive and not the will of most people of New Zealand.

If the existing legislation needs reviewing it should be put before Parliament and go through the normal channels where the public of New Zealand can have a fair and open discussion.
(Abridged)

H Phillips
Te Puke

Hope and unity

A large-scale study analysing New Zealanders' feelings about Waitangi Day reveals 51 per cent back Waitangi Day as a bicultural celebration, with 8 per cent opposed.

A moving photograph, published February 5, of two powerful women - Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Maori activist Titewhai Harawira - holding hands on the Upper Marae
at Waitangi is, in my view, a symbol of hope and unity for New Zealanders.

Jackie Evans
Rotorua

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