The Independent Police Conduct Authority has confirmed what we have been trying to tell the Prime Minister, that roadblocks and checkpoints established by Maori groups without Police permission and supervision are unlawful.
Responding to complaints by Hobson’s Pledge spokesperson Casey Costello, a former police officer, and others, the Authority raised its concerns with Police which resulted in guidelines that:
(1) Covid-19 checkpoints should only be established where there is clear evidence of an increased risk of Covid-19 spread in that area, such as where there is evidence of ongoing non-essential travel.
(2) The Police District Commander must approve a Covid-19 checkpoint before it is established.
(3) The principal powers to be used for the Covid-19 checkpoints are those conferred by section 71A of the Health Act 1956.
(4) Police District Commanders are responsible for agreeing to the timings, location and duration of checkpoints.
(5) Police District Commanders are responsible for determining a deployment model and appropriate resourcing for the Covid-19 checkpoint. The Civil Defence Emergency Management group controller will provide any non-police resources required to support the deployment model determined by the District Commander. The costs of any non-police resources, required to support the deployment, will be borne by the territorial authority where the checkpoint is deployed.
(6) Police permission must be sought before civilians set up a checkpoint. If permission is granted, Police must supervise the checkpoint.
(7) Any other community-led checkpoints not under the direct control of Police are not permitted.
Former MP Hone Harawira was the first to set up Covid-19 roadblocks on what he asserted was a “border” to Northland. Soon about 30 Maori groups set up similar barriers around the country.
It is reassuring to see the Police reasserting the right to control roads on behalf of all of us because social media posts showed that Maori sovereignty activists were taking police inaction as evidence that iwi should control “their” districts.
Our petition for Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to put an end to such vigilante roadblocks has so far collected 5578 signatures. It is still open for signatures. Go to http://chng.it/6wSxmQ2v
Race-based surgery priority considered
Four district health boards are considering preferential treatment of Maori and Pacific patients for some elective surgeries and appointments as the New Zealand health system emerges from lockdown.
As Covid-19 alert level two nears, Auckland, Waitemata, Counties Manukau and Northland DHBs are preparing to tackle waiting lists lengthened by the postponement of procedures, and identify people with the highest clinical need.
Dr David Tipene-Leach, who is chair of Te Ora Maori Medical Practitioners Association, is keen to apply race-based affirmative action to decide the order of treatment of patients “to solve the equity problems”.
Tipene-Leach also chairs the Heretaunga Tamatea Treaty settlement entity, which was given $105-million in 2018.
If Maori New Zealanders are more susceptible to certain illnesses, then it is entirely appropriate that they will get a bigger share of the health budget than other New Zealanders. But they shouldn’t be getting priority simply BECAUSE they have a Maori ancestor surely?
Critic launches Treaty book
Bruce Moon, a retired computer pioneer who wrote Real Treaty; False Treaty - The True Waitangi Story, was to address the Nelson Literary and Scientific Institute in April 2018 when the organiser abruptly cancelled his talk.
Claims that threats had been made led Nelson City Council staff to argue that his talk constituted a health and safety issue and that the safest course of action would be for the talk not to proceed.
He was invited to debate at the New Zealand history teachers’ conference at Waitangi in July of this year and although his advanced age (he is in his 90s) caused him to pass the opportunity to a colleague, he prepared a book comprising 18 of his articles on New Zealand history for dissemination to history teachers.
That book, New Zealand: the fair colony, which explains the Treaty of Waitangi, exposes the falsehoods around it, and shows how racism and a reversion to tribalism is dividing this country, may be bought by email at: [email protected] for $20 per copy, post-paid, paid by internet transfer to 02-0844-0097703-00. We strongly recommend it to all New Zealanders concerned for our future.
Share coastal petition with friends
Our petition which asks Parliament to amend the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 to restore public ownership of the coastal area, put all claims through the High Court, and repeal customary marine title, while affirming customary rights has picked up 21,205 signatures. We need your support. The petition may be signed at https://www.change.org/beaches4all Even if you have signed, you may follow the link to ask your social media friends.
What’s happening at Ihumatao?
Our petition for the Government to allow both Te Kawerau a Maki and Fletchers to proceed with their lawful business, has collected 2987 signatures. If you have not done so already, please sign our petition at http://chng.it/xPN6P55k
Frequently asked questions
- What is Hobson's Pledge? Hobson’s Pledge supporters think it is absurd to argue in the 21st century that people who chance to have a Maori ancestor, always with other ancestors too of course, should have superior rights to those who don’t. And utterly absurd that there are politicians who want to be taken seriously who still push this nonsense.
- What are the issues we're facing today?
- What are our campaigns?
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