Geoff Parker
Geoff Parker is a passionate advocate for equal rights and a colourblind society.
Open Letter To:
The Rt Hon Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister –Christopher.Luxon@parliament.govt.nz
The Rt Hon David Seymour, Deputy Prime Minister –David.Seymour@parliament.govt.nz
The Hon Paul Goldsmith - paul.goldsmith@parliament.govt.nz
The Hon Winston Peters, Winston.Peters@parliament.govt.nz
The Hon Shane Jones, Shane.Jones@parliament.govt.nz
Dear Ministers,
IT’S TIME TO ENFORCE THE LAW – EQUALLY
New Zealanders have had enough of selective law enforcement. The recent illegal landing by members of Ngāti Wai on the protected Poor Knights Islands* was not a “cultural visit” – it was an open act of defiance against the laws of this country.
The Poor Knights are a marine and nature reserve, off-limits to everyone to safeguard rare species and fragile ecosystems. Those protections exist for good reason. When a group deliberately ignores the law and boasts about it, they’re challenging not only the Department of Conservation, but the authority of your government and the integrity of the law itself.
If this breach goes unpunished, it sends a dangerous signal that some groups are untouchable – that ‘one law for all’ no longer applies in New Zealand. That’s not equality: that’s privilege.
Prime minister, I demand you to show leadership. Direct your ministers and enforcement agencies to uphold the law without fear or favour. The rules that protect our environment belong to every New Zealander and they must be enforced equally, irrespective of the offender’s standing.
New Zealanders are watching. Your firm and decisive action against this tribal challenge will show New Zealanders that one law applies to all – and could restore confidence in your leadership.
Yours sincerely,
Geoff Parker
* https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/577389/ngatiwai-lands-on-tapu-poor-knights-islands-in-defiance-of-marine-law-change
This article was originally published by Breaking Views.
