Afterthoughts

I've got a feeling the reason the government didn't let anyone know in advance about Maori Affairs Minister and Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples' trip to New York to announce that NZ was going to ratify the United Nations declaration on indigenous rights is because they simply overlooked it. Involving the public in the business of government is an afterthought for them. They are used to running private businesses. The sacking of the eCan board was another example of that mindset, as is the Schedule 4 mining proposal. Democracy has no part in running a business, and they see running the country in business terms.

And I've got a feeling the reason John Key minimised the importance of supporting the UN declaration is because he really doesn't think it's important! But the look on Pita Sharples' face after his UN speech was such a demonstration of the sheer delight the move has produced among many Maori.