Better off relying on naturally occurring osmosis

Clive Bibby

Opinion

Looking at recent polls showing voter reaction to mandated changes to the way we co- exist with one another, one is drawn to the inescapable conclusion that the Government could achieve much of its race relations objectives by relying on the natural occurring osmosis trends rather than by forced adoption of habits that will only lead to more division.

Unsurprisingly, a large sector of the population — in excess of a majority — appear openly hostile to the Government’s plans for shared responsibility for administering key government agencies and for the distribution of some of our most vital natural resources.

The problem with this dictate (should it remain as a cornerstone law of our nation’s statutes) is not so much the principle of shared management between Māori as Tangata Whenua and All the Rest with different ethnic heritage.

It is the “apartheid” connotation of one side of the governing body representing a tiny minority of the total population yet having equal voting rights around the table when decisions are made.

And adding insult to injury, there is literally no requirement for proving ethnic heritage when deciding which voting roll individuals can choose for registration as a voter in local body or general elections.

And similar distinct voter preferences are emerging when discussing the need for a referendum on how far we should go with any imposed transition involving the use of Te Reo instead of traditional place names in English language news broadcasts.

My guess is that these arrogant, fawning policy introductions willingly adopted by the mainstream media are the straw that will break the camel’s back at the next general election in just a few weeks time.

There is no doubt in my mind that it didn’t need to be this way.

As a 79-year-old pakeha embarrassed that l am ignorant of what could have been one of my shared native tongues, l regret that the opportunity to learn Te Reo in my primary school days was not available at the time.

But l, like many (possibly a majority) New Zealanders of my and subsequent generations, would welcome the chance to vote for its introduction as a compulsory primary school subject at the next available opportunity.

And, if given the chance, I would happily predict that the vote for its introduction would be overwhelmingly positive.

We must ask — why has it taken them so long?

It has been said that if you understand the language you are more than half way to understanding the culture.

So, why are we not seeing any party realistically interested in occupying the treasury benches promoting a referendum on Māori language being taught in schools as a priority plank of their campaign promises.

It would seem to be the logical next step in our journey towards a state where our  communities are sustainable because they are ones based on equal opportunities for all irrespective of our ethnic heritage, religious beliefs or place on the social ladder.

Sadly, that type of enlightened visionary approach to government doesn’t appear likely any time soon. More’s the pity.