Passing Notes by Civis
Otago Daily Times 30 July 2011, page 35
I’m not so convinced the apparent fractious nature of governance at the Orokonui Ecosanctuary is a blessing, and I fervently hope the issues can be settled without damaging this wonderful asset. After reading Ralph Allen’s piece in this newspaper on Monday, I remain convinced that those who have been fomenting the constitutional change have lost sight of the first purpose of the sanctuary, at least as it was understood by those of us who supported its beginnings. I, for one, have no wish to see it become a political plaything, or to be an asset – cultural or otherwise – to be fought over by those who measure their success by the power they like to claim over others. The broader national question of “ownership”, which will continue to cause trouble for years to come, is perfectly symbolised by this local scrap. And when I read about the ritual galliard that must be performed before the sanctuary can acquire new feathered residents, I begin to wonder whether we have not lost the plot entirely in this country.
The demand for special and exclusive guaranteed Maori representation on supposedly democratic entities is one that has been growing louder with each concession. We have seen it in local government, where – disgracefully – at least one Act of Parliament was passed to provide it, we have seen it in creation of Greater Auckland governance arrangements, and now we are seeing it at Orokonui. I cannot imagine next year’s debate about a national constitution will make progress while one sector continues to demand privilege.
