I know people like to turn a blind eye to politics. Hoping that if it is overlooked, it will naturally go away over time. This has some merit. However, now we have increased overseas pressure to ‘modernise’ gender norms and even reject ‘Mum and Dad’ families as a basic building block for society, or to engage in ‘positive’ racism. Importing gender and ethnic politics is like how hip hop, or rap is not culturally from NZ, but appeals to NZ youth through: developing identity, home, sense of justice; and defending their place in the world.

I have been speaking with various Maori I happen to meet. Really all Maori are quite willing to present their views, and argue amicably for them, provided respect is shown. Most times, their views, and complaints about politics are similar to my own. Maori, just like you and I, have concerns that can’t be addressed by copy and pasting three waters, or natural and built environment-style legislation from overseas. These politicians saying ‘we know best’, and then slapping a bumper sticker on it saying ‘Maori representation’, don’t help anyone.

-Andrew Clow, Te Puna.