Nicely said johnty. I am of mixed feelings about the treatment of the Maori all those years ago, and of being Pakeha in this country. I always try to remember that I am the foreigner in this country and take nothing for granted. I am appalled and ashamed to be connected to the British in some respects, after some of their actions against the Maoris. On the other hand, we brought significant improvements and I believe that NZ is a better place for it - for Maoris, Pakeha, and born and bred Kiwis. There were faults on both sides but I believe that 99% of both sides now recognise that the past is the past and have learned to live together in harmony. Of course there are disputes between the Maoris and what they believe is rightfully theirs, but their main argument seems to be with the government and does not spill over to tension with the 'white' public. Maoris quite rightly have a very proud heritage and do a lot to promote/continue it - I find the Maori language/music/culture extremely interesting in fact, and look forward to the day when we can apply for citizenship and attend a Maori ceremony as part of it - I will be very honoured.

In the meantime, I hope the past can be forgotten and that we all remember we are all equals and all have the same rights as the next human being.