“Latest figures show that 26,568 people have taken the opportunity to register on the Maaori roll, and a new Maaori seat will be created in time for the next election” says Nanaia Mahuta MP for Te Tai Hauaauru.

“The Maaori Electoral Option began on 02 April and finished on 01 August. There has been significant and positive trends amongst Maaori which indicate growing interest in political representation” said Nanaia Mahuta.

“I am particularly encouraged by new Maaori electors who are more likely to choose to be on the Maaori roll for their first election

During the Maaori Electoral Option 13,592 new Maaori electors registered on the Maaori roll; this number is likely to increase once the Electoral Commission finalise their numbers.

“The new seventh seat is a forward step and comes at an important time when our communities are currently considering political representation on Local and Regional Councils. Throughout the country Maaori are actively engaging in the political process to increase participation and representation” said Nanaia Mahuta

“The process from here is for the Representation Commission to sit down and determine where the new boundaries will go. I am hopeful that a new seat will make the size of Maaori Electorates more manageable and improve accessibility between our people, our communities and our politicians in a beneficial way” said Nanaia Mahuta

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