This debate involved the connection between becoming a republic and indigenous rights: "Maori leaders are divided on the issue, with some concerned a change in Treaty partner could threaten their rights. Queen Elizabeth II's death sparks NZ republic debate. Maori leaders are divided on the issue, with some concerned a change in Treaty partner could threaten their rights".
Me They don't have half the rights for what they've already been given. The interpretation of the Treaty is a joke. What makes them think similar BS wouldn't continue if we were a republic?
Opponent Foo your asking for a Maori hiding.
Opponent Oh Really?
Me Yes, really.
Opponent Interpretation. You reed look at it again article 2.
Me How does that give them unelected representation in councils, government, and other organisations?
Opponent Unelected?
Me Maori get unelected representation in many organisations. Didn't you know?
Opponent Under article 2 they have a right to representation.
Me Can you quote the part of article 2 which does this?
Me Also, they already have the right to representation, just like everyone else.
Opponent Article two of the Maori text establishes that Maori will retain full chieftainship over their lands.
Opponent But they as first people.
Me I wasn't debating that point (although I could). I was more worried about unelected representation and other special race-based privileges (ie racism).
Opponent How they are privileges when they are sitting in same room.
Me Everyone else has to go through a democratic process. Maori just get given those positions of power because of their race. Sounds like racism to me.
Me Also, you still haven't quoted that part of article 2.
Opponent So.
Me No mention of special representation. Quite the opposite.
Me In case you're wondering, my opponent deleted all of his comments, making my comments look weird. Not sure why he did that; maybe because he realised he's wrong?
Opponent Probably because of no legal recourse.
Me They have exactly the same legal rights as everyone else; arguably more.
No one can ever tell me what exactly these rights I have which Maori people don't. In fact, it is Maori who have extra rights, in law and convention, and I can list those easily enough.
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