With Māori politics very much in the news lately, Vernon Small seems amused by Bill English’s posturing – English punts talk of electoral deals, Maori seat strategy, into the stands
Well then, what about abolishing the Maori seats?
Hmm. If it was “on the books” it was not a policy National was pursuing, and he would need to check.
Unfortunately for English, Small has a long political memory –
That press release in full –
National Party Caucus votes to end Maori seats
Tuesday, 6 May 2003, 1:49 pm
Press Release: New Zealand National PartyNational Party Caucus votes to end Maori seats
The National Party is formally adopting a policy promoted by Leader Bill English, which would bring an end to the Maori seats in Parliament.
The National Party Caucus voted to back the position at its meeting today.
“Modern Maori are highly skilled operators in our current political system, their voices are heard at every level and the Maori seats have outlived their usefulness,” Mr English says.
“In 1867 the Maori Representation Act created what were described as four ‘temporary’ seats.
“Then in 1986, the Royal Commission on the electoral system said that under MMP there would be no need for separate Maori seats.
“It pointed out separate seats encouraged Maori MPs to look after only Maori interests and provided limited incentive for MPs in general seats to respond to Maori concerns,” says Mr English.
“Under MMP, Maori representation no longer depends on Maori seats.
“At the 2001 census, 14% of the population identified themselves as Maori, right now Maori have 18 MPs, or 15% of all MPs,” he says.
“More Maori than ever are in Parliament and while the Maori seats fulfilled a purpose, their time is now over
“This is part of a wider citizenship policy I plan to release later this year.
“It will reflect my view that Maori have the capacity to participate the same as any other citizen,” Mr English says.
Someone should ask English whether he still believes the opinions stated in the press release, and if not, why not?
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