Bizarre Cultural Ruling In Court Case

New Zealand First Leader Rt Hon Winston Peters has described the outcome of an Employment Court case involving a Wanganui mental health worker as “truly bizarre” and a potential threat to Maori employment.

This follows the court reportedly ruling that that Maori workers welcomed with powhiri ceremonies should be farewelled with similar decorum by recognising their cultural identity - even when dismissed.

Mr Peters said the case is an example of what can happen when references to Treaty principles are placed in laws and the courts interpret them literally.

“On the face of it, this case appears to be opening the door for all sorts of racially based claims to be made against employers and this could actually jeopardise employment opportunities for Maori.

“The case might be correct on the unjustified dismissal but the comments and logic on the cultural sensitivity are just nonsense.

”Getting a cultural farewell when everyone knows you have been sacked is politically correct, sociological claptrap.”

Mr Peters said racially based court decisions could also lead the way for other ethnic groups to use their cultural heritage for similar claims and the whole process could lose its credibility.

“We fear that the proposed new Supreme Court will also go down this racially-divisive path, destroying the concept of a fair justice system for every citizen in this country forever.”

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