|
Leader's Letter
September 2003
Leader’s Report
Rt Hon Winston Peters
The storm clouds are gathering over New Zealand’s social, cultural and economic landscape.
Foolish policies of racial preferment have created a bitter argument over ownership of the foreshore and seabed.
New Zealand First MPs are firm over this issue. We believe that the Crown should own the foreshore and seabed for the benefit of ALL New Zealanders.
The position of “public domain” announced by the Government is not Crown ownership as originally promised. It brings all the risks of political manipulation. It will create uncertainty at a time when all New Zealanders want their rights of access stated clearly and unequivocally.
In trying to appease conflicting and competing interests, the Government has pleased no one. It has provided the conditions for ongoing disagreement and disharmony and continuous wrangling over access, customary rights, and commercial interests.
The Government has also extended its philosophy of a different system for Maori and non-Maori through the Maori Land Court and this will lead to further friction in future.
On the other hand, many Maori involved in fishing in the 1980s had their livelihood taken away when the Quota Management System was introduced. This injustice needs to be redressed by giving Maori a fair slice of the action in future aquaculture. This would help reduce the serious and disproportionate unemployment among Maori in many areas also.
Strains are also showing in our social structure after four years of unrestrained immigration. Hundreds of thousands of immigrants arriving on our shores are overloading health, education and welfare services.
We say that the needs of New Zealanders should be placed first. Our taxes should be spent wisely for the benefit of those who have contributed to our society, not those who have simply come here to soak up the benefits.
House prices are soaring in Auckland particularly because of the demand brought about by excessive immigration and many young New Zealanders will never realise their dream of owning a house. This will have serious effects later on for these people because home ownership is a crucial part of saving for retirement. No Government should ignore this most basic need.
The strain on police resources continues unabated with rising crime levels. New Zealand First’s policy of doubling police numbers is desperately needed. It is foolish to send police officers to overseas trouble spots when we have so many trouble areas within our own country. We will be announcing further law and order initiatives this year because the situation continues to deteriorate.
Our tenth anniversary convention will be a time to tackle some of these serious issues facing our society. It will also be an occasion to celebrate our sucesses as we prepare to become part of the next Government in 2005.
I look forward to seeing you there.
Rt Hon Winston Peters MP
Leader New Zealand First
|
