Nationhood - Don Brash Speech at Orewa Rotary Club

Introduction

• Speaker: Don Brash, Leader of the National Party
• Occasion: Address to the Orewa Rotary Club
• Date: 27 January 2004
• Purpose: Discuss the threat posed by the Treaty of Waitangi process to New Zealand's future

Main Priorities

1. Economic Growth
   • Address New Zealand's income decline
   • Criticizes Labour Government for not bridging income gap with Australia
2. Educational Reform
   • Tackle illiteracy and innumeracy in schools
   • Criticizes Labour Government for removing parental choice in education
3. Welfare Dependency
   • Address welfare dependency destroying Kiwi values
   • National aims to stop communities from relying on welfare
4. Security and Law Enforcement
   • Enforce laws strictly
   • Criticizes Labour Government for prioritizing criminals' rights over victims'
5. Racial Separatism
   • Discusses New Zealand’s racial separations and Treaty of Waitangi
   • Criticizes Labour Government’s approach to racial divisions

Treaty of Waitangi and Racial Separatism

• Treaty Process is dividing New Zealanders
• Separatist legislation based on racial distinctions
• Criticizes government funding influenced by ethnicity

Historical Context and Myths

• Challenges utopian view of Polynesian past
• Notes violence and brutality in early Maori history
• Acknowledges adaptability and resilience of Maori society

Development of Treaty Process

• 1975 Waitangi Tribunal establishment
• Expansion in 1985 to cover historical grievances
• Emergence of a grievance industry
• Criticizes undefined "principles of the Treaty"

Criticism of Current Government's Treaty Approach

• Overuse of undefined Treaty principles in legislation
• Local government obligations to consult Maori
• Issues with foreshore and seabed policies

Maori Identity and Integration

• Maori as a melting pot, not a homogenous group
• Increasing intermarriage and multi-ethnic identities
• Need to focus on cooperation and social cohesion

Conclusion

• Treaty should not create separate rights for Maori
• National Party's commitment to resolving historical grievances
• Plans to remove race-based features from legislation
• Emphasis on one rule for all
• Encourages Maori responsibility and aspiration

Final Thoughts

• Importance of building a democratic, prosperous nation
• Encouragement to keep the indigenous culture alive
• Focus on unity and modern nation-building