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Leader's LetterJuly 2004
Where Are We Going?As I viewed Maori marching over the Auckland Harbour bridge on the 27th of April in protest at the foreshore and seabed legislation my thoughts went back two days earlier to Anzac Day when we commemorated our fallen, and the service our men and woman rendered on previous conflicts that enabled us to have freedom. What a contrast as I compared both events! The protest march gave me reason to ask myself what would all those who participated be doing after it was all over? As the Social Services spokesperson I asked myself: How many would be returning to their homes, to get their children back to school to be educated? How many would be returning to an occupation that would provide sustenance for their families and to provide shelter over their heads? How many would be asking themselves how am I going to pay the power bill and the grocery bill this week? How many would be going back to a empty house, not knowing where some of their children might be? And how many would be wondering, what does the future hold for me and my family? Who of all those that marched really and honestly understood what Crown ownership is all about? Who did the chiefs sign the Treaty with? My concern today is where do we as a nation want to be in 10, 15, 20 years from now? Will we be struggling in the areas of unemployment, education, housing, health or will we be still chasing the foreshore and seabed? I applaud those decent people who have succeeded by their honest sweat and toil, who have struggled through hard times and good to provide the necessities of life in order that their families could have a prosperous future. They put their energies into contributing to a better future and to a society that all might enjoy because of the fruits of their labour. Thus comes to mind that sacred quote which we only hear on Anzac day -"we will remember them". During the 1940 Waitangi celebrations in the Bay of Islands, soldiers of the 28th Maori Battalion were on the Te Tii Marae. During the course of discussion about the Treaty it was suggested by those in attendance that Sir Apirana Ngata be called down from the Treaty house for consultation. He duly arrived, listened attentively to the matter on the floor and said succinctly: "let sleeping dogs lie". Sir Apirana opposed talk of ratifying the Treaty of Waitangi, foreseeing as he did, that those who elevated the Treaty into law could just as quickly repeal such laws and by so doing the Treaty itself. New Zealand First is adamant that its polices of putting all New Zealanders first is a priority. The Government's immigration policies have only changed because of our efforts. The foreshore and seabed issue is coming to a conclusion because of New Zealand First being consistent from the beginning on Crown ownership for all New Zealanders. The Treaty gravy train is being reined in because of New Zealand First pressure. Law and Order continues to be a serious problem and as associate spokesperson on this portfolio, I believe it is imperative that the Government adopt the New Zealand First policy of doubling the police force and providing the equipment to allow the law ‘keepers' to be more efficient. Illegal entry, like the case of convicted terrorist Ahmed Zaoui, will not be tolerated and taxpayer funds will not be used to defend those of his ilk as the offenders will be on a one way ticket home. New Zealand cannot afford to be divided. A quote by Abraham Lincoln in 1838 is relevant to us. "If danger ever reaches us it must spring up from amongst us. It cannot come from abroad. If destruction be our lot, we must ourselves be its author and finisher. As a nation of free men (and women) we must live through all time or die by suicide." Bill Gudgeon MP
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