More to Maori ward decision than meets the eye
THE Government’s intention to abolish a law that allows local referendums to veto decisions by councils to establish Maori wards may appear to be unjust, racist, and undemocratic.
However, consider that majority rule can have the unintended consequence of harming minority groups.
‘‘The tyranny of the majority’’ is a term that has been used to highlight an inherent weakness of majority rule in which the majority of an electorate pursues exclusively its own objectives at the expense of those of the minority factions.
This can result in the oppression of minority groups comparable to that of a tyrant or despot, according to John Stuart Milne in his 1859 book On Liberty.
In order to promote any kind of good human relationships, it is absolutely vital that people listen to one another.
For a long time, the white majority in Aotearoa refused to really listen to the pain which many of our Maori brothers and sisters have experienced in the past and still face today. That has been changing in recent years with the setting up of the Waitangi Tribunal. Creating Maori wards is another step in the healing process.
Every three years, we have the opportunity to elect councillors. We expect them to have the time and the expertise to investigate difficult issues and make wise decisions.
If we do not like the way they are doing their job, we can let them know at the ballot box.
James Irwin
Normanby
[Abridged]
Visa issues
AN American friend has just been told that his visa will not be extended again and that he must return to the United States before the end of February.
He greatly appreciates the visa extensions he has been granted, since New Zealand entered into lockdown in March 2020.
However, with Covid19 numbers being very high in the United States and his home state of California, he is justifiably terrified of returning home.
Now is not the time to stop extending his visa and the visas of others like him.
Now is the time to show compassion to those from countries with high Covid19 rates, not to send them into harm’s way.
James Cordes
Belleknowes
Word meaning
KIT Bunker (Letters, 2.2.21) decries the apparent incorrect use of the word ‘‘fulsome’’ by the Queenstown Lakes District Council’s Mike Theelan, who used it as having a positive meaning.
Unfortunately, this is a word whose usage has shifted from its original one of ‘‘abundant’’ to one of ‘‘complimentary or flattering to an excessive degree’’ and back towards having a positive connotation.
It’s usually possible to use context to work out which meaning is intended, but it is probably best avoided completely.
David Barnes
Lower Hutt ....................................
BIBLE READING: The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. — Psalms 19:7.