Te Pāti Māori has filed urgent proceedings in the High Court following alarming reports that Māori across the motu have been removed from the electoral roll or shifted off the Māori roll, without their knowledge, consent, or due process.

“We are witnessing what can only be described as voter suppression. Our whānau are being stripped of their democratic rights in silence” said Te Pāti Māori Co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer.

The party has sent formal letters to the Electoral Commission, the Minister of Justice, and the Ombudsman demanding urgent action, including a full investigation of the enrolment system and an extension for registrations in the upcoming Tāmaki Makaurau By-Election.

“We are calling for immediate corrective action and a halt to the Government’s electoral law reforms which, even according to the Attorney-General, breach human rights” added Te Pāti Māori Co-leader, Rawiri Waititi.

Te Pāti Māori warns that failure to act will undermine the legitimacy of the electoral process and breach the Crown’s obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

“We will not stand by while our people are disenfranchised” said Ngarewa-Packer. “If no remedy is offered, we will escalate this through the courts and consider action in the Waitangi Tribunal.”

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