Dedicated Representation of Maori Turned Down

A dedicated "special" place for Maori on local councils has always been contentious but I'm surprised it didn't even get to its first parliamentary reading especially considering the major role  Kai Tahu play in the South Island environment.

I was reminded of this decision this morning when I read about an Arrowtown man who'd slept in his ute rather than drive home drunk. When he woke there was a sticker on the windscreen. He was fined for parking in a freedom camping area. He complained to council, explaining his drink-no drive decision and argued that as rate payer for 16 years, he couldn't be a freedom camper. His appeal was turned down because there was a blanket ruling and all people were treated equally.  Once again, someone confused "same" with "equal". Sameness is not equality, and often leads to senseless and insensitive decisions, unfairness and inequality. 
Read on.
-- ACW