Maori Representation in Parliament: The Four Maori Seats

Abstract

The four Maori members of Parliament have been a feature of the New Zealand/Aotearoa electoral system since 1867. From being barely tolerated M.P.s with speaking rights on Maori issues only, today, we have four Maori members of Parliament who participate in all areas of representative government. Maori representation, originally a temporary expedient, has become accepted in New Zealand/Aotearoa. This is not without some questioning from New Zealanders (Maori and non-Maori) about this form of representation for the indigenous people. There are valid concerns from both proponents and exponents of Maori representation. Arguments in favour of the Maori seats include the pertinent observation that Maori should represent Maori interests because they understand Maori culture, Maori issues and Maori language. Whereas the argument against the four Maori seats question whether the four Maori seats are the best way to represent the above and point to the Maori M.P.s being tied to the party system meaning a loss of independence. Specifically, this thesis studies the Runanga Iwi Act, implemented in 1990, in relation to the Maori M.P.s and party politics. Consequently, there are issues surrounding Maori representation in the present electoral system. These issues are particularly important to address in the present context. A binding referendum on the electoral system might see the end of Maori representation in the form of the four fixed seats. Mixed Member Proportional (MMP), a form of proportional representation, in the Electoral Reform Bill 1992, does not include a guarantee for Maori representation. This study, therefore, focuses on the present four Maori M.P.s in Parliament during the 1990-1993 term: Bruce Gregory, Peter Tapsell, Whetu Tirikatene-Sullivan and Koro Wetere. The roles of these four Maori representatives within the present electoral system is explored and discussed. This focus links many aspects of the role of representing Maori: their parliamentary role, constituency role, Maori M.P.s' views of Maori representation, and the Maori M.P.s' place within the ruling elite when their party is in government. In addition, this thesis explores the problem of political representation for a particular ethnic minority and the solutions New Zealand/Aotearoa has developed to represent this minority. The question raised is whether Maori representation in its present form is the best solution. The findings of my research conclude that there are many aspects of the present system that provide Maori with positive representation. Any future electoral system must look at retaining these aspects. However, the study also concludes that the system of representation that has developed for Maori also has many faults that outweighs the positive aspects. These must not be retained.