In my final article on Simon Wilson’s fears, I will look at his thoughts on Ihumatao and neoliberalism. Along with climate change, Simon sees inaction on so many fronts. He says we’re preparing long-term aspirational plans because that’s how our decision-making processes work. But while we talk, he adds, the immediate crisis threatens to overwhelm us.
Turning to Ihumatao Simon is unhappy that Judith Collins, in response to a question from an angry man at a Grey Power rally in Nelson, said she would not spend a cent, she would not authorise a payment to Fletchers to give up the land, nor would she allow the government to help to develop any other possibilities for the site. To Simon’s horror, she was applauded. Simon says while there’s a market for those views they are naive and dangerous. He believes the state has a role in this conflict, right from the original confiscation of the land in the 1860s.
Simon believes if the issue is money; what is the problem? He says the entire Treaty settlements have to date have cost less than $2.5 billion and there’s only a few tens of millions at stake to pay off Fletchers and help establish the land to the benefit of mana whenua. I love the way the left talk about money, like it’s an endless game of Monopoly. Simon thinks the iwi village could be expanded, and horticulture and a cultural centre established which could become a visitor attraction. Being near the airport it could become a tourist attraction with people marvelling at the remarkable geological formations and significant archaeological remains.
Simon says to say no to something like this is just racism. That’s all it is. Obviously, in Simon’s world, if you don’t acquiesce to Maori demands you’re racist. He likens it to Bastion Point where there is housing, healthcare, a nursery, a cultural programme and more around the Ngati Whatua Marae. According to Simon, Judith should have called the Nelson man out for his racism but by not doing so she effectively condoned it. Simon seems blithely unaware, and probably doesn’t care, about the can of worms this opens up. Rather than put an end to this gravy train it opens up a potential never-ending new way of enabling Maori to forever make claims, potentially even on private property.
Simon then worries about the extraordinary world of economics. He says neoliberalism doesn’t work but the government doesn’t seem to know what to do about it. Simon says there is a better way. It involves the creation of a new high wage, low-carbon economy with government support for the businesses that will lead the way. It also involves a fairer tax system, higher welfare payments and a welfare system that seeks to help and not punish those who need it. Funny Simon, but I think you’re describing the one we’ve already got. He of course supports a wealth tax where those who have worked hard to create their wealth are penalised to fund Simon’s economic pipe dream.
Simon says we’re in the Century of Crisis where we discover we’re not ready. Then comes pain, loss, fear and despair. You’ll then realise you’re not alone and with that it becomes possible to hope. So while Simon’s afraid, he’s also hopeful. This weekend he’s going to tell us how to hope.
I, for one, can’t wait.
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