When I first read about David Ruck's Facebook-page Pakeha Party, I checked the date thinking maybe it was April Fool's but, no, it was July 9.
If it is a joke then I think it may be on him. He clearly thinks he is mirroring the Maori Party in claiming to speak for a section of the population but there is much he could learn from the rise and decline of what he considers to represent ethnic separatism.
In naming a political idea after a section of the population, on the assumption that this will garner support, he is flying in the face of reality. Maori (just like Pakeha) are as diverse in their interests, situations and aspirations as any other section of society. This is immediately evident when you look at Parliament. A number of ministers are Maori. Across the political divide they do not agree on policy and reflect a diverse range of opinion.
The dimming of the Maori Party's light can in part be attributed to this diversity, alongside the decision to align with National for reasons of political expediency. The Pakeha Party propagators should reflect on this and realise their view that they speak for Pakeha is folly.
It would be like a Five Foot Five political movement that felt it represented all those under this specific height description. Some of those people may feel short-changed by the tall orders of those above this height but others would say, "I may be short but they do not speak for me as my stature is only my outward appearance. My political inclinations are deeper than that."
Any attempt by the so-called Pakeha Party to gather political traction and votes will be doomed. Firstly because their call for equal rights to Maori is based on the erroneous notion that equality and equity are the same thing. I would suggest they consult a dictionary - they are not the same. We all have an equal right to vote but inequities can distort the ability to influence.
If you are wealthy you have more power to influence. In New Zealand, the wealthy elite are mostly white males with teams of accountants and lawyers to ensure it stays that way. The Pakeha Party won't appeal to them unless in some way it ensures their continued wealth. New immigrants won't support it as they do not see themselves as Pakeha. A few enthusiasts may be found amongst the right-wing xenophobes who don't like anyone who does not look like them - which makes it hard for them to agree on who they do like. Then there will be those watching the Pakeha Party from the sidelines who recognise bigotry even when it is disguised as some sort of equal-rights stance. Ignorance and hypocrisy may be related but when a bigot starts to play the xenophobe it is time to cover your ears. Equality is balance; equity is about restoring balance.
Terry Sarten is a Whanganui writer, musician and social worker living and working in Sydney. Feedback email: tgs@inspire.net.nz