New Zealand First has today introduced a Member’s Bill that will ensure a binding referendum on the Māori seats is held in conjunction with the 2026 election.

We have recently announced our intention to campaign on a binding referendum on the future of the Māori seats - we are saying we have legislation ready to go right now.

We don’t have to wait until after the next election. If we have the support of other parties in parliament, we can get this referendum completed at no extra cost, and no wasted time, if we hold it in conjunction with the general election in November.

It is a simple referendum question: ‘Should there be separate Māori seats in the New Zealand Parliament?’ With a simple YES or NO answer.

New Zealand First believes this decision should be put to a binding referendum, not made unilaterally, because we believe in our democracy and this issue needs to gain a true mandate from the people of New Zealand so we can move forward together, united, as one.

We have put forward this bill today to show that the House of Representatives has the chance to involve the New Zealand people in deciding the future direction of our country together.

New Zealand voters are ready to have a voice, and a choice.

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