ACT prompts Peters into action on Māori seats

"ACT’s Smaller Government Bill has prompted Winston Peters into action on the Māori seats”, says Party Leader David Seymour.

Winston Peters today told Sky News he would propose an amendment to a Labour MP’s bill that would have the effect of putting the future of the seats to a referendum.

ACT will support NZ First’s amendment, but the timing of Mr Peters’ comments are telling.

"Just last Sunday, ACT revealed its Smaller Government Bill which would cut the number of MPs to 100, restrict the number of ministers to 20, and remove the Māori seats.

"Now, Mr Peters, who has long talked of removing the Māori seats, says New Zealand needs a referendum on the issue.

"Winston has had 40 years in which to propose legislation removing the Māori seats. Now just a week after ACT revealed its detailed plan, Peters has decided to jump into action.

"Voters will see this as a deeply disingenuous and opportunistic move. New Zealanders don’t trust Peters and rightly so.

“He's a lion on the campaign trail but a lamb in Parliament.

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