E-news 9 February 2024
This past week has had the focus of Waitangi and Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Fei gave us a good introduction last week, bring us up to date with some of the latest scholarship, giving a clear message of it’s place in making Aotearoa New Zealand the nation it is. Or should I correct myself, it is the foundation document that if followed could have made us a model nation of how indigenous people and migrants could live in harmony enriching each other.
Inspired by Fei I choose to listen to the speeches made by the Coalition Government at their welcome to the Treaty grounds. I did so because I wanted to hear and see them rather than rely on reporters and commentators from my own “rabbit holes”.
Reflection on what I witnessed I have to agree with Christopher Luxon when he said ‘where in the world could you find a forum where differing views could be openly presented, heard, challenged and then reflected on’. This is one of our national treasures. A place for open exchange of ideas.
In a world of ‘cancel culture”, where people live in their own echo chambers, in there own rabbit holes, having a forum to have robust exchange of idea, to have people come together to hear each other in a transparent environment I think is one of the great strengths of our nation.
On Sunday I will be leading the service and will be reflecting on HOPE. Hope can be the source of comfort and security and it also can be a trident. I look forward to seeing you Sunday.
Ross
You can read the full E-news here: https://mailchi.mp/c23000c52204/this-weeks-newsletter-from-st-andrews-on-the-terrace-9436948
