How many of us go along to social or religious gatherings where there are as many brown faces as white? How many of us have first-hand knowledge of the appalling living conditions suffered by many young Maori families, often in our own neighbourhoods?
How many of us are the least bit concerned about the shocking welfare, health, prison and education statistics in our so-called "equal" society? And if we are concerned about any of these things, how many of us are prepared to stand up, be counted, and take positive action?
On many fronts, New Zealand is still a colonial power with colonial attitudes.
We foist European education on to young people to whom it is completely foreign and then decry the fact that most Maori kids do not excel at it. How self-deceiving can we be?
As for our "democracy", we are now faced with the spectre of the Treaty becoming a fundamental part of our constitution - but most of us have not a clue what the Treaty is all about.
Any counsellor will tell you that honesty and trust are two very basic ingredients of a successful relationship. That needs to apply to relationships at a local and national as well as at a personal level.
John Ross
Onerahi
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