Many claim that democracy in New Zealand is being destroyed; that those who support the inclusion misread the treaty. Both of these assertions are wrong, yet are repeated ad nauseum.

There are many examples of partial devolution throughout the Western democracies. Most relevant being Great Britain where Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland achieved devolution from Westminster in education, health, water, roading etc at least 20 years ago, with no weakening of democracy.

To rely on interpretation of the treaty is narrow when we consider the fact that Maori self-determination (self-governance) was mentioned in the 1846 constitution act and reinforced in article 71 of the 1852 act, yet not carried out by the settler governments.

Whatever the outcome of the current debate, the truth should guide us rather than politically expedient falsehoods. Perhaps then we can be seen as a nation that honours its contracts, warts and all.

R Bell, Omanawa.