United Future
Since: Aug 2007
Posts: 314

BLOG: LET’S HAVE A PROPER CONSTITUTIONAL DEBATE

Posted in Discussion Forum at 10:32AM, 3 Feb 2009 ∞ Permalink

Another Waitangi Day is nearly upon us. The speculation is that this year’s occasion will see the unleashing of a debate about New Zealand’s constitutional future. That sounds like a grand initiative from a new government, seeking boldly to shape the country’s future, but the reality is far more sober and uninspiring.

The great constitutional debate is nothing that sophist exercise to enable the National Party to hold a referendum on the future of MMP (to which I do not object) and both National and the Maori Party to save face on the future of the Maori seats issue, given National’s pre-election pledge to abolish, and the Maori Party’s determination to entrench them. So, what better way to avoid the crunch of having to deal with the issue than indulge in the earnest and time consuming discussion of a constitutional debate?
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Quentin Todd
Since: Nov 2007
Posts: 68

Posted at 10:32AM, 3 Feb 2009 ∞ Permalink

I am looking foward to this. My vision for New Zealand is the same as UnitedFuture, which is why I joined. MMP review and constitutional refit makes sense in a changing world. We are maturing as a nation nicely. If we don't do this constitution review we may fail to mature.

mike burke
Since: Feb 2009
Posts: 1

Posted at 09:10PM, 3 Feb 2009 ∞ Permalink

Ahhh - Dear Mr Dunne,

Although I agree with your general sentiments, one of the findings that are slowly but surely happening around the world is the error of the concept of "multiculturalism".

You see most people arent actually very interested in other peoples cultures. Have a read of "where have all the liberals gone" and you will get some idea of the reality. Carrying on about multiculturalism is much like all getting excited about multigenderism or multidexterism or multi anything. People just dont have the long term interest to STAY excited about it - and when they get over the initial excitment they tend to turn negative - and its not nice. (eg: race problems in UK, culture clashes all over mainland europe)

Much better to go for national pride at the top of the list and then culture or ethnicity way below that. The Dutch and the Dalmations are very good examples of how to do both - be proud kiwis first and culturally remember the origins.

While we have MP's who are tribe first, maori second and Kiwi third - we will never have a co-operative society.

Multiculturalism is for those with short attention spans.

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