Articles by Chris Newman
Chris Newman is an author and commentator, covering issues of social change, religion and ideology. He has travelled 38 countries, and holds a Masters in Education (SUNY) and BA in Sociology (Auckland).
Government Crossed the Line of Democracy
Opinion • Community Newsfeed • 19 Aug 2021
by Chris Newman
Today, 18 August, the New Zealand political class crossed the fine line between democracy and socialism. On the steps of TVNZ’s Auckland office twelve policemen and women in yellow hi-viz vests seized Free Speech advocate and democracy idealist Mr Billy te Kahika, while he addressed a peaceful gathering. Ten minutes later they grabbed maverick media man Vinnie Eastwood,…
Crown Excludes New Zealanders From the Treaty of Waitangi Conversation
1985 Judge Cooke's legal opinion has lead the way to division, judicial activism and manipulation
Opinion • elocal Digital Edition • May 2019
by Chris Newman
In the 1980’s Parliamentarians began an unsuccessful search for the elusive “principles” to interpret the words of the Treaty of Waitangi. In 1985 the Court of Appeals Judge Robin Cooke, with the Treaty in one hand and his law manual in the other, declared he could define these missing principles. Judge Cooke determined the Treaty was a legally binding business contract between…