If the purpose of the media is to keep the public informed of current national and international news then New Zealand media falls well short of its obligations. News is not just the reportage of conflicts and calamities that afflict the world but of forces that govern our lives. The media has a moral obligation to serve the needs of the people and should not just publish news that suits their own editorial requirements.

The Resource Legislation Amendment Bill is of vital importance to all New Zealanders and has ramifications that may adversely affect all of us, but whether through company policy, political affiliations or fear of ethnic reactions this Bill has had little reportage in the media as have the unofficial consultations between the National Party and Maori.

Unofficial, because the public seems to be belatedly and reluctantly informed with little opportunity or time to participate.

Are we to have a favoured, ethnic group being granted unique, undemocratic rights and representation on councils and regional committees with the right to influence decisions? The Treaty made Maori equal to all other subjects of the Crown. Not more. The present government does not seem to accept this fact.

The public needs and deserves to know what is being considered. This will probably not be published.

B Johnson, Omokoroa.