A fractured Waitangi, a looming court ruling, a Labour reset, and a referendum threat have thrust the Māori electorates back to the centre of election year politics.
What’s at stake? The future of the Māori electorates as New Zealand First campaigns for a referendum to abolish them.
Background: Record movements on the Māori roll and a younger, politically engaged Māori demographic are reshaping the contest.
Main players: Te Pāti Māori under legal strain, Labour regrouping, the Greens advancing Māori candidates, the Top Party opposing abolition, and NZ First pushing a referendum.
Last month at Waitangi, speeches meant to honour partnership instead laid bare deep divisions between Māori.
Eru Kapa-Kingi called out various party leaders, Peeni Henare delivered a humble farewell, and Winston Peters was Winston Peters.
After Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi spoke, a
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Key points
What’s at stake? The future of the Māori electorates as New Zealand First campaigns for a referendum to abolish them.
Background: Record movements on the Māori roll and a younger, politically engaged Māori demographic are reshaping the contest.
Main players: Te Pāti Māori under legal strain, Labour regrouping, the Greens advancing Māori candidates, the Top Party opposing abolition, and NZ First pushing a referendum.
