"Drunk Maori"

I came across this article on the 3news website and am confused by where I stand on this.

On the one hand I can understand and argue for the benefits of having Maori wardens look after the health benefits of Maori by reducing the alcohol risk of drinking in pubs. I believe that most Maori people will respond more positively to a Maori Warden than they would a Cop (Maori or not), and this can only be good right?

On the other hand, I can't understand why the police or the Wellington council should feel the need to take this stance when there are other laws that Pubs and Clubs should be following to prevent anyone getting drunk, violent and disorderly in their establishments. (Sale of Liquor Act). Why do they feel the need to single out the Maori people for this special attention just because there is a law that allows it even though it hasn't been used in years, if at all. Are they expecting only Maori people to be drinking during in pubs and clubs during RWC? Do they feel that they will be inundated with drunken disorderly Non-Maori that they need help from Maori Wardens to look after the Maori?

If this was an initiative by the Maori Wardens with support from Maori organisations (Runanga, iwi health providers etc.) to help change Maori attitude towards drinking then I would have a clearer opinion. But because this is a suggestion by the council and the police, I can't help but feel that this is another form of institutional rascism, (conscious or not I'm not so sure) given that there are already laws that put the onus on bar-owners to remove drunk persons and to serve responsibly.

A new experience

I am just starting out in this world of blogging, and am not so sure what I want to talk about.

Not a great start I guess, but I will eventually think of something. I do have some ideas in mind. I am passionate about sport, mainly rugby, league and cricket. I am just as passionate about politics, especially New Zealand and more specifically how Maori are involved and treated in politics. I am also interested in discussing how Maori are perceived by themselves, and by others in society, and also discussing how Maori perceive society in New Zealand.

Between Sport, Politics and Maori related issues I can be highly opinionated, not always thinking my arguments thoroughly before expressing them. I do tend to take an opposing stance to an opinion in the attempt to bring an understanding to others about why things happened, or why people said what they said, even if I  don't personally believe that position.

I guess more often than not, my blogs will be based around sport or politics, and if I really feel like mixing it up, I might even blog about Politcs IN Sports, but don't be surprised if every now and then I throw something else in completely from leftfield.

I look forward to this journey and hope that you can join me on the way

Naku iti nei,

EagleWarrior