Parliament tally prompts ex-minister to query need for Maori seats

MP Hekia Parata. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Parliament now has more Maori MPs than ever before, prompting one commentator to question whether Maori seats were still needed.

Nineteen Maori MPs have been elected in general electorates and on party lists. Once the seven Maori seats are included, the total number of MPs who identify as Maori is 26 - up from 21 in 2011.

This means one in five MPs in the new Parliament were Maori, compared to one in seven in the general population.

The National Party's caucus is 15 per cent Maori, including two MPs likely to be given high-ranking portfolios - Paula Bennett and Hekia Parata.

The growing proportion of Maori in Parliament was met with mixed responses from Maori leaders.

Former Maori Affairs Minister Dover Samuels said increased Maori representation was a step forward, especially because many were elected in mainstream parties.

But former Alliance MP and Maori commentator Willie Jackson said it meant little unless those Maori MPs fought for Maori interests.

"It's only a victory if they take a pro-Maori position with their work. You could have 50 Maoris in there but if they don't act like Maori and don't work along kaupapa Maori lines and advance Maori position it's absolutely meaningless."

The election of 26 Maori MPs was likely to fuel the argument over Maori seats, established to ensure Maori had a minimum representation in the House.

Mr Samuels said Maori needed to have an "informed debate" about whether the Maori electorates were needed.

Mr Jackson disagreed, saying Maori seats were created to guarantee strong advocacy for Maori, not simply representation.

"When you have a Maori seat, in my view, you have an obligation to advocate for Maori. That's what the strengths of the seats are."

Total 26/121 (21%)
National: 9/61 (14.7%)
Maori: 2/2 (100%)
Labour: 7/32 (21.9%)
Greens: 3/13 (23%)
NZ First: 5/11 (45%)

Maori MPs

Tribal affiliations

National: Paula Bennett (Tainui), Simon Bridges (Ngati Maniapoto), Paul Foster-Bell (Ngapuhi, Te Aupouri, Ngati Kahu ki Whangaroa), Joanne Hayes (Ngati Porou, Ati Hau Nui-A-Paparangi, and Rangitane ki Wairarapa), Nuk Korako (Ngai Tahu), Hekia Parata (Ngai Tahu, Ngati Porou), Shane Reti (Ngati Wai, Tainui), Jami-Lee Ross (Ngati Porou), Mike Sabin (Tainui).

Maori: Te Ururoa Flavell (Ngapuhi, Ngati Rangiwewehi, Te Arawa), Marama Fox (Ngati Kahungunu, Ngati Porou).

Labour: Kelvin Davis (Ngati Manu), Peeni Henare (Ngati Hine, Ngapuhi), Nanaia Mahuta (Maniapoto, Ngapuhi), Adrian Rurawhe (Ngati Apa), Rino Tirakatene (Ngai Tahu, Ngati Hine), Louisa Wall (Ngati Tuwharetoa, Waikato), Meka Whaitiri (Rongowhakaata, Ngati Kahungunu).

Greens: David Clendon (Ngapuhi, Te Roroa), Denise Roche (Ngati Raukawa, Ngati Huri), Metiria Turei (Ngati Kahungunu ki Wairarapa, Ati Hau Nui a Paparangi).

NZ First: Darroch Ball (unknown), Ron Mark (Ngati Raukawa, Te Arawa, Ngati Kahungunu ki Wairarapa, Ngati Porou), Pita Paraone (Ngati Hine, Ngati Whatua, Ngapuhi), Winston Peters (Ngati Wai), Fletcher Tabuteau (Ngati Ngararanui, Ngati Rangiwewehi, Ngati Whakaue).