, November 25) that there is a: "special relationship between the Crown and New Zealand's indigenous people set out in the Treaty of Waitangi". This is simply untrue. What the Treaty actually granted to Maori was the same rights as the people of England – in a word, equality. No less, no more. That, and only that, is democracy. Anything else is apartheid.
Bruce Moon Nelson
Wards foresight applauded
The establishment of Maori wards has the potential to help heal people and places. Maori who are well-connected to their language and tikanga (customs) deeply value people and Aotearoa's fauna and flora. Their wairua flows with nature. They also deeply feel the pain of whanau (fellow Maori) who have lost their way and in their desperation inflict harm.
Given a comparatively small voice on the council in the form of Maori wards would assist the council to create more effective policies to enable Maori to minister to Maori, wairua to wairua. In my experience what works for Maori works for everyone. Congratulations to those council members who have had the foresight and courage to vote for change and the enrichment of our community by seeking to give Maori a turangawaewae (place to stand), albeit in the challenging council corporate type of world that operates out of different tikanga to the Maori way of resolving issues.
Kia kaha e hoa ma!
Avril Manley Katikati
Exceptional talent in Bay
One cannot let the year end without acknowledging the amazing work done by Sport Bay of Plenty. We produce the most amazing talented people, with the supreme winners recognised at the Awards event at Rotorua.
Who would have thought we could produce such extraordinary talent, like Peter Burling and Lisa Carrington, both of whom won the Supreme Awards for male and female athlete? Neither Peter nor Lisa were able to be with us but Peter spoke on video in his usual gentle no-fuss way from the round the world yacht race.
Both mothers accepted the awards on their behalf which was fascinating to hear from them – Mrs Burling told of the freeze-dried food Peter would be eating - it looked like cat food.
The evening was full of awards to recognise the incredible variety of sports our girls and boys play today.
Exceptional again was the huge number of coaches, parents, and volunteers who, without payment, dedicate themselves to the wellbeing of sport for years.
No wonder young people develop their talents. Society flourishes when our children are encouraged to play sport. Thanks again for a great night and a great year.
Margaret Murray-Benge, Bethlehem
