Mike's Minute: The Government need less talk, more delivery

There seems to be some debate, or at least questions, around when the Government are going to address the business of Māori seats at local council level.  There is a claim of a leak from within Cabinet that the whole idea is on the back burner. ACT deny it.  Mixed in with that issue is the issue of universities and their various segregated areas depending on race. Even the Prime Minister told us how disappointed he was that this sort of practice takes place.  The irony appears to be that it not only takes place, but has been taking place for a while, and in many institutions all over the country. And they defend it in a defiant, sort of, middle finger way.  Why this is important is not just because it’s a wrong that needs to be addressed, but it’s a specific issue that this Government, and indeed all three parties within the Government, have made a big deal of.  And at least in part, to this point, they have done nothing about it and that goes to delivery and delivery goes to reputation.  The council move in particular was one of the most egregious acts of the previous administration. To refresh your memory, when a council decided they wanted Māori wards or seats you were allowed to organise a petition and if you got 5% of the locals on board it was put to a vote.  When this happened, the vote was one way and in large numbers. People did not want it.  Now, you might want to ask the councils about their intent in the first place, given they never made it part of their manifesto when they were looking for your support.  But when democracy played out it always played out one way. So given that, there was rich pickings for National, Act and NZ First to promise to address these race-based wrongs.  It involves everything from Māori signage, to Government department names, to wards to segregated areas.  As much as they might talk about it, tut tut about it and express dismay about it, as we sit here this morning, they haven't actually addressed it.  Now we have leaks, or rumours, suggesting it's not happening any time soon.  Why?  Surely the last Government got famous for all talk, no delivery.  Why would you be looking to follow that up with more of the same? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.