Colonisation

Adjusting priorities

Now is the time. We are in the perfect position to adjust our priorities. We must put the planet first. We need to bring down our population with clear demographic policies. We need to address the disgusting treatment of our air, land and water by strong legislation. Only then should we look at what we call our economy. Selling fashion, be it fancy cars, faster bikes or ladies blouses is ruining our environment. We all need to re-assess what is of value and how it will affect our planet. In many ways it is already too late, but we can save a lot if we all change our attitudes now.

Paul Lunberg Nelson, April 30

Your recent article "Colonisation is bad for everyone" (March 9 ) cannot be let pass without being challenged. The writer of the article obviously did not set out to specifically address the so called overall and wider effects of colonisation , but rather used comparisons and relationships between Maori and Pakeha to concentrate on painting a picture where today because of colonisation Pakehas are basically lost, disillusioned and traumatised. Pakehas according to the article have “a lack of identity” and are still homesick for the ‘‘homeland’’ from which their forebears came . Why -because it’s in their DNA. The article goes on to say Pakeha are “anxious and discomforted” and are “fearful of interacting with Maori because of ignorance of indigenous cultural practices” .It is hard to know where to start to criticise this article other than to say most Pakehas would disagree with almost its whole content and see it as totally unhelpful in helping to make progress toward New Zealand being unified as One Nation. What happened 280 years ago when the practice of colonisation , both good and bad , was in daily effect should have no bearing on life today. That’s history and it is best we all now move on and stop looking backwards. Neville Male Stoke, May 2