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Summarised by Centrist
New Zealand First will campaign this year on holding a referendum on the future of the Māori seats, with Winston Peters arguing the original justification for them no longer applies under MMP.
Peters cited the 1986 Royal Commission, which suggested proportional representation would create a more representative Parliament and render the seats unnecessary. He pointed to what he described as “massively overrepresented” Māori MPs in today’s House and said recent behaviour by Te Pāti Māori was “the last straw.”
“They hold the majority of the Māori seats and do not turn up to parliament, disregard the rules and processes, and show utter disdain for the system that gives them the very seats they hold,” Peters said.
He argues a referendum is the proper mechanism, noting MMP itself was introduced by public vote. “If you want a dramatic, unified electoral system, vote for it,” he said, indicating he would not want Māori seats in place by the 2029 election.
Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi accused Peters of “race baiting” and “rage baiting,” saying the seats provide a “unique Māori voice in Parliament.” Labour’s Kieran McAnulty called the move “cheap and cynical,” while maintaining Māori should decide the seats’ future.
ACT agrees the seats should go, but says it would abolish them through Parliament rather than a referendum. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said National has not discussed the proposal.
Image: Jonathan Ah Kit
