100% Pure? Yeah right!

The political scape is as volatile as the weather.
Is Tame Iti mischievous or a terrorist?
Last weekend people around the country came out against the so-called terrorism raids that took place on October 15 throughout the country.
The people marched for democracy and their right to live and seek the knowledge that they aspired to and how they choose to live their lives. Many people care for the environment and the health of the planet, and the legacy we will leave future generations. Are these the acts of people who would engage in terrorism?
The home of Bryan Innes, an organiser of the recent Taupo Ecoshow was raided. Mr Innes's family, and international guest speaker at the Ecoshow, an interest free banker from Sweden, Oscar Kjellber, was at the home when the police invaded. Fifteen police and two dogs swarmed over the property. An organics club was run out of the home and the organiser was there, as was a breastfeeding mother and her four-month-old daughter.
A search warrant was presented and the occupants were confined to a room while the search was carried out.
The Swedish visitor eventually pointed out that the warrant was unsigned and Mr Innes asked the police to leave. The police reacted and blocked all exits. A detective was called and a new warrant produced with an illegible signature and no name. The search continued, because as the police insisted, they had a right to. The second warrant named items of clothing that could be found in any New Zealand home, and also items that had been purchased through Trademe. According to Mr Innes they were items of military interest, but not what a terrorist would buy. Their computers were confiscated. At the time of the raid Mr Innes and those at the house were sorting through the Ecoshow administration.
It appeared those in Taupo and throughout the country were community activists. A community activist is someone who has strong beliefs and convictions, who exercise their democratic right to voice their opinions, but who live by peaceful means.
If the raids are about terrorism and weapons, why have people been targeted who have nothing to do with either?
The police have handed their findings to the Solicitor General and as of Tuesday four of those arrested will have no charges brought against them under the Terrorism Suppression Act.
Legislation to deal with weapons and conspiracy crimes against those charged under New Zealand law is enough, but to introduce new terrorism laws makes a lot of people uncomfortable and sets a dangerous precedent for the future.
Another unsettling aspect was the raid on Te Whare Orange Wairua Maori Women's Refuge in Taupo. What can the police be thinking? A women's refuge is precisely that and the high and unacceptable incidences of domestic violence in this country is testament to the needs of women and their children seeking a safe haven.
There is no doubt that the trauma and impacts of these raids have rippled through our society. In New Zealand we are so close to the main artery, despite our geographical location.
New Zealand markets itself to the world as 100% Pure. My father has a saying "Dirty Flash". We're flash on the outside but it's pretty murky beneath the surface.