Māori seats
The racist roadblock to New Zealand’s unity
New Zealand prides itself on being a democratic nation committed to fairness, equality, and unity. Yet, within our parliamentary system exists a relic from another era - the Māori seats.
Originally introduced in 1867 as a temporary measure to ensure Māori representation at a time when most Māori were excluded from voting due to land ownership requirements, these race-based seats have remained in place for over 150 years. What may have once been a practical solution has today become an outdated and divisive institution that undermines the very principles of equality and unity it was meant to support.
The existence of dedicated Māori seats in Parliament rests on a deeply flawed premise, that Māori New Zealanders need separate, race-based mechanisms to be fairly represented. This idea is not only condescending but also inherently discriminatory. It suggests Māori are somehow incapable of succeeding within the general political system - a claim that has been disproven time and again by the success of Māori leaders elected through general electorates or party lists.
Look at figures like Tamatha Paul, Arena Williams, and David Seymour - Māori politicians who have won the support of diverse constituencies on the strength of their ideas, character, and leadership, not their ethnicity. Veteran leaders like Winston Peters and Willie Jackson have built long-standing careers and wield considerable influence, all without needing to rely on the Māori seats. Their accomplishments underscore a vital truth: Māori can and do succeed in mainstream politics, without the need for separatist structures.
Māori representation in Parliament is already proportionate to the population, and Māori voices are present across the political spectrum - from the Greens to National, from ACT to Labour. This healthy diversity shows that Māori concerns are being heard and addressed through the same democratic processes available to all New Zealanders. The idea that Māori need a separate track to be represented is no longer supported by evidence.
Instead of empowering everyday Māori, the Māori seats have increasingly become a platform for a narrow brand of political activism, one that often promotes division rather than cooperation. Te Pāti Māori, for instance, frequently uses its parliamentary platform to advance a rhetoric that emphasises grievance and separateness. Some of their in House performances and messaging show not only a lack of respect for Parliament but also a broader disregard for the notion of a shared New Zealand identity. This approach risks deepening societal divides at a time when we need to be fostering mutual understanding and national cohesion.
Race-based policies such as these reinforce a harmful mindset: that we are not one people, but many tribes, each requiring different rules, different rights, and different treatment. Such thinking is regressive. It takes us further from the goal of a united, modern democracy and back toward the divisions of the past. True equality means treating every citizen the same under the law, without preferential treatment based on ancestry.
Some argue that the Māori seats are a symbolic acknowledgment of the Treaty of Waitangi. But symbolism cannot come at the cost of unity or justice. The Treaty speaks to partnership and mutual respect, not permanent separation or political privilege based on race. Real respect lies in equality - in recognising all citizens as equal partners in shaping the future of our country.
It’s for these reasons that I have signed the Hobson’s Pledge petition to end the Māori seats. The campaign, named after Governor William Hobson’s vision that “we are now one people,” champions the idea that New Zealand’s future should be built on shared values, equal treatment, and a common national identity. This is not about denying Māori history or contributions. On the contrary, it’s about moving beyond tokenism and treating Māori not as a protected class, but as equals in every sense - capable, independent, and fully integrated into New Zealand’s democratic fabric.
If we truly value unity and fairness, then we must have the courage to question institutions that divide us. The Māori seats are no longer a safeguard - they are a stumbling block to a more cohesive society. It's time to let go of this outdated system and trust in the strength, talent, and voice of Māori New Zealanders to thrive on equal footing with everyone else.
I urge fellow Kiwis to reflect on the direction we want our democracy to take. Do we want a future built on division and separatism, or one built on shared values and equal opportunity for all? If you believe, as I do, in the latter, then join me in supporting Hobson’s Pledge and calling for an end to race-based seats in Parliament.
Let’s build a New Zealand where every voice matters, not because of where we come from, but because of who we are.
