Media Statement
Thursday, 20 August 2009

Hon Peter Dunne
MP for Ohariu
Leader of UnitedFuture

Dunne: UnitedFuture opposes separate Maori seats

UnitedFuture leader Peter Dunne has reiterated his party’s opposition to separate Maori seats in the wake of the argument over Maori representation in the new Auckland supercity.

Mr Dunne said UnitedFuture has long favoured abolishing separate Maori seats in Parliament by 2014, in line with the recommendations of the 1986 Royal Commission on the Electoral System.

“It has always been my view that providing for separate Maori representation in the new Auckland governance regime is inconsistent with that approach.

“It is time for New Zealand to come together as one nation with many strands, not to become divided into a series of mini-nations,” he said.

Mr Dunne said UnitedFuture’s position had nothing to do with the current row between National, ACT, and the Maori Party.

ENDS

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