New front opens up on political correctness
"A new front appears to be opening up in the war against political correctness," says the National Party MP for
Coromandel, Sandra Goudie.
"If New Zealanders thought the 'taniwha' that held up a highway was bad news, political correctness is set to reach new
lows and it could impact on the management of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park.
Mrs Goudie is commenting on minutes she has obtained from the December 10 meeting of the Hauraki Gulf Forum where the
concept of 'Matauranga Maori' was given formal backing.
"The definition for 'Matauranga Maori' was given as all those things visible and invisible in the universe.
"All future projects undertaken by the Hauraki Gulf Forum will now have to give regard to the concept. It was noted that
public funding is also available for 'Matauranga Maori'.
"Why is the taxpayer now expected to fund research based on a minority group's spiritual beliefs?
"The Hauraki Gulf Forum already faces an uphill battle to win a share of limited resources. Often participating councils
are reluctant to commit scarce ratepayer dollars.
"Now those councils have been given another good reason to question whether it's a wise use of money.
"How can effective decision making take place when those calling the shots are expected to consider 'all things visible
and invisible in the universe'?
"The politically correct landscape was already cluttered, now it's beyond a joke," says Mrs Goudie.