The Social Science Library » From Social Control Towards Political Self-Determination? Maori Seats And The Politics Of Separate Maori Representation In New Zealand

From Social Control Towards Political Self-Determination? Maori Seats And The Politics Of Separate Maori Representation In New Zealand

Author(s)	Fleras, A.
Abstract	Parliamentary structure in New Zealand, though styled on the Westminster model, is characterized by a number of anomalous features, including the absence of a written constitution and rejection of an upper chamber. But the provision of separate parliamentary representation for the Maori constitutes one of the more interesting aspects, and one which continues to elicit diverse reactions both from within New Zealand and from abroad. Under this form of guaranteed representation a person of Maori ancestry may vote for a candidate to one of four seats set aside for the Maori in the House Of Representatives. At one time the benefits of formal representation contributed to this nation’s vaunted reputation as a global pacesetter in race relations. A notable observer of the political scene once commented: “Race equality for the Maori people has thus become a cardinal principle in this Dominion, formalized into constitutional law and proclaimed in the perorations of political spokesmen…. Maoris possess equal voting rights, receive special representation in Parliament and take cabinet office as Ministers of the Crown.”
IssueNo	3
Pages	551-576
Article	Access to Article
Source	Calcutta Journal Of Political Studies
VolumeNo	18
PubDate	September 1985
ISBN_ISSN	0970-406X

From Social Control Towards Political Self-Determination? Maori Seats And The Politics Of Separate Maori Representation In New Zealand