Disgusting

National has reacted to Helen Clark's visit to Niue by accusing her of a $20 million shopping spree in an effort to "buy the votes" of Niueans in New Zealand. This is simply disgusting - there's just no other way to put it. Why? Because first and foremost, Niueans are New Zealanders, every bit as "kiwi" as you or I. And secondly, while they are self-governing, New Zealand has a continuing responsibility under the Niue Constitution Act 1974 "to provide necessary economic and administrative assistance" and to co-operate in any other area as required. What this adds up to is that Niueans have a right to expect (and the New Zealand government has an obligation to provide) basic public services of the sort enjoyed by people in New Zealand. You don't see National bitching when the government spends money to ensure that New Zealanders in Eketahuna or Geraldine or on Stuart Island have access to acceptable education and medical care, and you don't see them bitching when the government spends money on disaster relief for New Zealanders in the Manawatu or Bay of Plenty - so why are they bitching when the government does exactly the same thing for New Zealanders in Niue?

There's an obvious answer, and it doesn't reflect at all well on the National Party or their view of who is and who is not a fellow New Zealander.