From Stuff
Maori representation, including the Maori Electoral Option, Maori electoral participation and Maori seats in Parliament and local government.
The role of the Treaty of Waitangi within New Zealand's constitutional arrangements.
Whether New Zealand should have a written constitution.
Bill of Rights issues.Based on maori party progress to date I am not confident that this review won't be used to reduce rights for maori and further the oppression. These sentences outline why
''Of course, we will keep in mind that enduring constitutional changes generally require a broad base of support. Significant change will not be undertaken lightly and will require either broad cross-party agreement or the majority support of voters at a referendum,'' Deputy Prime Minister English said.Yes the majority must support any change and will they endorse change that empowers maori and acknowledges Maori status as tangata whenua, the indigenous people of this land?
Why is change needed?
From Annette Sykes
Statistics continue to reflect the poor socio-economic state of most Maori. The Maori unemployment rate is twice as high as non-Maori, and 1 out of 4 Maori recieve a benefit compared to one out of 10 non-Maori. Maori are 3 times more likely to live in overcrowded household compared to non-Maori. Only 2 out of 5 Maori are completing secondary education with a Level Two certificate compared to 2 out of 3 non-Maori. While maori currently represent around 13% of the general population we make up 51% of the prison population. In 2006 Maori accounted for 43% of all police apprehensions. Maori life expectancy is 10% lower than for non-maori and maori are twice as likely to be obese. our suicide rate is 1.6 times higher than non-Maori and our youth suicide rate is twice that of non-Maori.We need change and I hope that this review will bring it but I am not confident that the review won't be usurped by devious people looking to feather their own nest.
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