By Lillian Hanly, 16 February 2026
Flag of New Zealand (photo credit: Chickenonline via pixabay)
New Zealand First will campaign on a referendum on the Māori seats this year, with the party saying the time had come for a decision on their future.
Te Pāti Māori said it was “race baiting” and “rage baiting” and Labour said it was a “cheap and cynical” attempt to gain votes. [ . . . ] On representation in Parliament, Waititi said the Māori seats allowed for a “unique Māori voice in Parliament.”
“Quite often we’ve had Māori in those Māori seats without being tied to party lines.
“What this allows us is a unique opportunity for Māori to have an independent voice in Parliament.”
Read the full article here: RNZ