Effecting change through electoral politics: cultural identity and the Maori franchise

Sullivan, Ann

article

Effecting change through electoral politics: cultural identity and the Maori franchise

journal of the Polynesian Society • 112 (3) • Published In 2003 • Pages: 219-237

By: Sullivan, Ann.

Abstract
In 1840 the indigenous peoples of New Zealand (Maori) signed the Treaty of Waitangi with the British colonisers which in reality led to the usurpation of Maori sovereignty and Maori ownership of lands, fisheries, forests and other natural resources. One of the provisions of the Treaty (Article 3), however, guaranteed the Maori people the same rights and privileges as British subjects, including the franchise right to vote. In the beginning eligibility rights pertaining to the franchise effectively excluded Maori participation, but in1867 it became politically expedient to provide Maori with separate parliamentary representation, which they have retained every since. During the depression years of the 1930s, the Maori used the franchise to bring about beneficial welfare changes, but it was not until 1993, when effective changes were made to the electoral system, that the vote was used by the Maori as a potential tool for increased access to political power. In the early twenty-first century all political parties are courting the Maori vote and Maori are using the electoral system to further their self-determining goals of control over their cultural, social and economic development. This article discusses the ways in which the Maori have used the franchise in their struggle to hold on to their culture and their language, and in their pursuit of economic development (p. 219).

External relations

Elections

Deliberative councils

Citizenship

Political parties

Special courts

Form and rules of government

Maori

HRAF PubDate

2009

Region

Oceania