I realise that Moon from Nelson has every right to freedom of speech, as do I. But being a prime example of a Maori-bashing redneck that has absolutely no idea what he is talking about (except the part that yes, I am a descendant of Hongi Hika)because his knowledge comes from a 1930s primary school text book, I feel his opinion of the affairs here in Te Hiku o Te Ika should not be included in the Northland Age editor section, for which I have immense respect for the majority of dialogue that it issues.
Yes I am marching to Waitangi, to uphold that historic moment when two nations agreed to live together and respect each other. We are marching to uphold the agreement our tupuna made with the colonial representatives of the Crown, to protect the lands, rivers and seas for the benefit of all their descendants.
I believe that the intention was genuine on the parts of the signatories, however six years later Hone Heke and Kawiti made an example of their dissatisfaction with the conduct. One hundred and seventy five years later and the writings of Moon are a prime example of how far we have advanced since then ... not many, if any.
Moon stereotypes me as some lazy, dole-bludging druggie who can't pay my rent, and he does so because he is comfortable with this image of Maori. He is disparaging of my lineage, as are most rednecks, who neither have one nor know where they are from. It's another classic colonial technique to reduce my rangatiratanga.
I don't drink, smoke, do drugs, muck around on my missus, steal or lie. I am a custodian of three homes and a farm, we pay rates on two properties and we own two successful businesses.
I suspect that Moon would be terrified to sit down and have a proper discussion with this proud Ngapuhi native ... Toitu te whenua whatungarongaro te tangata.
