| Friday, August 10, 2012 6:13 AM

It was State Homie John Key's birthday yesterday and it was also the international day for the world's indigenous people which was the platform made for Titiwhai Harawira's boy Hone to beat his drum.

Wishing The Homie an unhappy birthday, he issued the Government with a report card on how they'd adhered to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People.

Article 14 talks about education and Hone issued the Government a fail, in fact they've failed in his book on all seven areas he's looked at. On article 17 talking about participation in work, Hone points out that the Government's failed to ensure Maori have access to jobs, they're nearly three times as likely to be unemployed as Pakeha. Why? Well that could have something to do with Article 14!

Maori surely have access to schools like the rest of us?

Then he argues about housing, Article 21, saying not enough money's being allocated for Maori housing. Now that's not an argument that's the preserve of Maori.

On Article 24 dealing with health, Hone argues Maori are much more likely to contract infectious and respiratory diseases which he admits has something to do with Article 21 but it could also have something to do with smoking.

Hone's at least leading the charge to stop smoking, but is increasing the cost the answer? By spending more money on the wicked weed, they'll have less money for, well housing and health and even education!

Perhaps he does have a point about the Government spend though.

We're almost leading the world on performance pay for our stars at the Olympics who pick up 60K for a gold medal and 55 thousand notes apiece for silver and bronze. Even Nick Willis who ran a poor ninth in the 1500 metres comes home to a taxpayer funded 25K cheque.

Given the euphoria about our medal count, woe betide any politician who'd speak out against that at the moment. Certainly not a murmur from Hone!