| Sponsored by Kingston Strategic (NZ) Ltd |
|
 Keep up to date with Maori News on Twitter |
 Or follow the news on Facebook. |
 Click above to access the TKI RSS feed |
 Also click to see Te Karere Ipurangi on Bebo. |
 Natures Blooms Floral boutique. |
27th
JAN
Try voting
Posted by karere under Maori News
The idea of reserving a set number of seats for First Nations politicians in Parliament appeals to some Canadians’ sense of fairness. But as a means of improving the clout of native people, it is misguided. Increasing political heft for the First Nations would require a revamp of the federal electoral system where an indigenous party could play the political game.
The New Zealand model, which reserved seats for the Maori beginning in the late 19th century, is most often cited as a fix for good indigenous representation. In reality, the model watered down the influence of the Maori, who vastly outnumbered the non-Maori at the time. Their influence was minimal until 1996, when New Zealand adopted multiple-member proportional voting, to assign seats to candidates and parties, and an indigenous party gained a real foothold in parliament.
In Canada’s first-past-the-post system, a dedicated number of First Nations seats would similarly have little influence. A minority government might tilt the odds, but the First Nations MPs would need to unite, a tense proposition for those elected by a constituency.
Contrast those odds with the heft the Inuit acquired in the May election: Three MPs and two in cabinet. With only two First Nations MPs, it is clear why some are lobbying for a guaranteed number of seats. That, though, assumes the MPs would vote uniformly. Uniformity doesn’t exist in native politics. Rather, First Nations leaders should encourage their people to see the value in political engagement. That starts with getting out to vote.
Read all the news [here]
Its overdue for a FULL overhaul of the NZ electoral system model as relfected from England! British rule over New Zealand that has led to the formed society of classes rich middle and poor class – they call a civilised society!! Its in a sicker outdated state than ever before!! Where is JUSTICE??? New Zealand is due for change, a transitional change out from British rule oppressing us as Indigenous people. Unless we conform to their ways and system, unless we educate ourselves under their system, to be like them. We are not part of them – Indigenous had their own ways appointing people – lets educate ourselves on our history for a reclaim and re-assertion of the MAORI model for appointing LEADERSHIP based upon the Ariki & Rangatira as 1st and 2nd in authority for our nation AOTEAROA – Land of the Long White Cloud. END Party-focused governing altogether as a FAILED LEADERSHIP model!!!