The race debate: Maori say paybacks are part of Treaty

If there are race-based handouts going around, Maori want to know about them.

Grassroots Maori interviewed by the Herald have challenged Don Brash's view that the Treaty of Waitangi gives no basis for special treatment.

They argue that Maori-targeted funding and measures to reduce inequality are part of the Crown's treaty obligations and do not amount to special treatment.

"If there is, I'm getting none of it," says bar manager Jade Nepia, 21, of Henderson. "I don't think there really is special treatment for Maori."

Maori who point to education grants, quotas and health subsidies - which many say are based on need, not race - warn that their removal will only worsen disparities.

"They aren't handouts, they're paybacks for what's happened, and if anything there should be more paybacks to come," says Ei Hunt, a professional motorcyclist from Kaingaroa.

Father-of-three William Kinita, 44: "Yeah, I think there's allowances out there but it all goes back to the treaty, which says that these things should be in place."

Interviews with more than 120 Maori in Northland, Auckland, the Waikato, Bay of Plenty and the East Coast reveal the depth of Maori anxiety over the snowballing race-relations debate. Maori are rattled - not so much by the policies of the National Party leader but by the hardline stance adopted by many Pakeha over the future of the treaty, land settlements and biculturalism.

"What he [Dr Brash] is saying is what a lot of Pakeha people want to hear, and they've been waiting for a long time for someone to come out talking like that," says Mr Kinita. "I think it's widening the gap between Maori and Pakeha and setting one against the other."

Many say Pakeha are ignorant of the Crown's obligations. Said Bert McLean, 61, involved in Maori economic development: "It's just a shame that people are not more informed about the treaty and the history of this country because I'm sure that if people were better informed about ... the injustices that still need to be resolved, we'd be better off.

"People have got to remember that land confiscated in the 1800s was used to develop the economic infrastructure of this country. Maori have contributed hugely to the development of this country in resources, in labour and in dollars and cents.

"If you have a look at what Maori are paid in benefits, it's far less than what Maori are contributing to this country's economy right now."

The views from the streets are reflected in a Herald-DigiPoll survey of 801 Maori voters which found that 70 per cent think the treaty should be part of New Zealand law.

There was support in theory for the principle of needs-based assistance - only 31 per cent believe that the Government should treat Maori differently from other New Zealanders.

But at the same time, there was strong support for specialist Maori schools and health services, separate Maori seats and consultation with Maori by district councils.

Another DigiPoll survey, of 1047 Maori voters for TVNZ's Marae programme, found Helen Clark commanding nearly 50 per cent support as preferred Prime Minister and Dr Brash just 2.1 per cent.

If an election were held today, 52 per cent would vote Labour and 6.9 per cent National.

Our street interviews found some admiration for Dr Brash for raising the debate but warned that Maori would respond.

"A lot of Maori are waking up," says Otara mother-of-four and student Billie Huinga.

"People just want their rights. He has woken up a sleeping giant."

On the issue of special treatment, our reporters encountered a more even spread of opinion than among Pakeha.

Many do not accept that Maori receive special treatment.

Those who point to education grants and scholarships say they are neither widely available nor easy to get. Most education grants come from iwi, not the taxpayer, theysay.

"The majority who have applied for iwi money - it's nothing," says Manukau caterer Liz Mahutu.

"You're lucky if you get a scholarship. The majority who I know make it on their own."

Kaapua Smith, a 21-year-old Auckland student, says any clampdown on targeted assistance would "diminish equality for Maori".

"Maori are less well off than many other New Zealanders and therefore the Government has a responsibility to ensure that Maori have equal access to education, health and justice services with all other New Zealanders."

But others echoed Pakeha views that "we are all New Zealanders" and they have never sought state help.

"We are not treated as second-class citizens any more," says Graham Tadman, 25, "so I would never want a handout at my age."

Herald Feature: Sharing a Country