Summarised by Centrist
Political commentator Grant Duncan argues that sovereignty is a necessity for legal recognition. While we are free to question or resist the sovereign powers we live under, it remains an integral part of our daily existence.
Duncan, reflecting on the recent debate in Parliament regarding whether Māori ceded sovereignty in 1840 through te Tiriti o Waitangi, notes the concept has changed over time.
However, “A contemporary idea of popular sovereignty was consolidated through the universal franchise and the right of any citizen to stand for office,” he writes.
“If, however, you truly don’t accept the actual sovereignty of ‘the Crown’ today in New Zealand, then, to be consistent with yourself, don’t apply for the dole, or enrol at uni, or vote, or put your case before a court of law, or take advantage of anything run by that wicked government that rules in the name of the Crown. Go underground and struggle for independence!” he writes.
Duncan explains that “Māori may not have ceded sovereignty in 1840. But that was then; this is now. The statements “Māori never ceded sovereignty” and ‘the Crown acquired sovereignty’ are not necessarily mutually contradictory. They can both be accepted as historically and practically valid – if you want. If so, then the recent argument in parliament looks pointless or at cross-purposes.”
