July 21, 2017
Former Labour MP supports NZ First call on Maori seats
Former Taitokerau MP Dover Samuels has come out in support of New Zealand First leader Winston Peters questioning the effectiveness of Maori seats.
Dover Samuels who was a four term member of parliament from 1996 to 2008, and former Minister of Maori Affairs says Winston Peters is correct in asking whether Maori are better off retaining the seats.
He says it's not the first time Winston Peters has raised the issue and with Maori making up 22% of Parliament it's a valid point.
"Are we better off with the retention of the Maori seats or simply because we are under MMP we have an opportunity to expand Maori representation within the parliament. In the main NZ First has always had this policy," he says.
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