BUDGET: Papatuanuku is going to get some love outta this budget and for that I am very, very happy and grateful.

Also very happy that Whanau Ora and Kohanga are getting a boost.

Not so keen on the prison beds, and we still have catching up to do on housing.

PUBLIC HEALTH RESPONSE BILL: NEVER put police and marae in the same sentence. I get the intention but in its rush, & with poor engagement, it triggered deep trauma. Police have repeatedly brutalised & traumatised Maori communities over the years. The response was understandable.

ALSO re: The Bill: Don't let National's opportunistic electioneering vulture tactics fool you - we would be in a WORLD of pain right now if they were able to draft COVID-19 legislation and were in charge of the recovery plan.

TANGIHANGA: It's really not about the number 10 or 50 or 100. Ma matou ke o matou ake tikanga e whakahaere. Personally I'm ok with restrictions but when the Crown begins applying law over what happens inside the waharoa then police or no police, the invasion has already occurred.

CHECKPOINTS: If we need to re-establish checkpoints to look after our communities again, we will do that. Simple as that really. Over the past 2 months I've met with MPs Nash, Allen, Whaitiri, Davis, and Mahuta and they've all been helpful. We all know I'd say so otherwise.

ALL OF IT: We got through this first spin around the COVID dancefloor and it could have been worse, but it could also have been a lot more Treaty compliant. Now, with the worst behind us and god knows what in front of us, let's plan for more wins WITHOUT sacrificing Te Tiriti.