National confirms position on Maori seats

The National Party Caucus today moved to confirm its position on the future of the Maori seats, which involves tying their abolition to the settlement of historic Treaty claims.

"The Caucus today confirmed that the Maori seats will be abolished, which we anticipate will take place around the time of settlement of historic Treaty claims," says National Party Leader John Key.

"Around the time of the last settlement - which we anticipate will be in 2014 - National will begin a constitutional process to abolish the seats. The reason for such a process is that this is a major change of interest to all New Zealanders.

"National will also ensure more resources are available to help speed up the claims settlement process.

"I want to see an inclusive, tolerant society, where every New Zealander is equal before the law.

"National thinks there’s no place for ethnically-based electoral systems in 21st Century New Zealand," says Mr Key.

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