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Don Brash has returned to Orewa to deliver another speech, questioning again why Maori seats were required in parliament.
In his 'Nationhood' speech in 2004, Brash said there was a dangerous drift towards racial separatism in New Zealand and a National government under his leadership would abolish Maori seats.
Later that year he was pelted with mud by protestors at the Waitangi Day celebrations.
Addressing the Orewa branch of the National Party tonight, Brash said New Zealand was a great country but was at more risk today both economically and in terms of racial harmony than at any time since World War II.
He said the concept of a racially-based political party would be seen as "grossly inappropriate if wanted by any other race than Maori".
An outcry would follow an attempt to set up a "European New Zealanders Party", he said.
There was "no logic" in having Maori electorates, Brash said, and argued the same principle applied to local government.
"Maori are absolutely capable of being elected to Parliament on their own merits," he said.
"There is absolutely no case that I can see for treating Maori people differently in general legislation, as is done for example in the Resource Management Act, which enjoins local councils to consult with their communities and with Maori.
"If I were Maori, I would find that grossly insulting language, patronising and implying as it does that Maori are not part of the community."
Brash also laid into the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Bill), saying it had potentially "very serious implications".
The legislation will replace the Foreshore and Seabed Act. It returns to Maori the right to seek customary title over parts of the coast through the courts or through negotiation with the government.
Brash used what was his fifth Orewa speech to express concern about house price affordability, youth unemployment and parental freedom in choosing schools.
Closing the income gap with Australia was possible, but would not happen for up to 50 years, Brash warned.
Former Reserve Bank governor Brash chairs the 2025 Taskforce. Its purpose is to provide the government with recommendations on how to close the income gap by 2025.
"We will certainly not catch Australia on our current policy track, and nobody that I've spoken to thinks that we will."
He said there was still much to be pleased about, citing economic growth, income tax cuts, and New Zealand's unemployment rate being lower than most developed countries.
Brash spent four years in Parliament. He was appointed National's leader in October 2003 but quit politics in November 2006 following the furore over Nicky Hager's book The Hollow Men.
What do you think about the points Don Brash made in his speech? Share your thoughts on the messageboard below.
Add a Comment:
Post new commentTinHB said on 2010-12-02 @ 10:30 NZDT: Report abusive post
Did this former National Party leader ever cultivate a following ... does anyone remember? Does anyone even care to remember?
scubadave said on 2010-11-29 @ 15:03 NZDT: Report abusive post
Until the Race Based Politics and PC crap end, I'm happily contributing to the Australian Economy instead, where my Tax dollars go towards the common good of the nation, un-biased from Race. And it makes me happy to work and pay tax, knowing it is reasonably fair. I'm fed up and Sick of NZ's squabbling.
Monique Watson said on 2010-11-28 @ 16:13 NZDT: Report abusive post
Typical divisive racist tactics. Who cares what Don Brash says. He's had his chance to make his mark and upcoming generations don't want a bar of it. Him and the fellow members of his potential White European Man's Party don't have a clue.
Papamoa said on 2010-11-28 @ 11:17 NZDT: Report abusive post
Of course Don Brash is right. Even Maori would have to support the idea or else accept that they can't get a seat in parliament without having it guaranteed. If the Maori Party have any Mana they will support doing away with guaranteed Maori seats in Parliament.
desertkiwi said on 2010-11-28 @ 06:38 NZDT: Report abusive post
Hear hear Brash, about time some one spoke up about the increasing seperatism! I am proud to be a kiwi and that includes all races, colours and creeds, not just one 'type' of kiwi. Let everyone stand on their merits irrespective of whether they are Maori or Pakeha!