November 03, 2022
Māori input needed for electoral review
Maori are being urged to make submissions on a review of the electoral system
A Maori member of the Independent Electoral Review Panel is worried Maori might get put off by the size and complexity of the review.
Associate Professor Maria Bargh, of Te Arawa, Ngati Awa, says Maoridom’s traditional low engagement with anything related to electoral voting is definitely a challenge – but they shouldn’t be afraid to make even short submissions.
“They can be a bit daunting, looking at the whole spread of issues and thinking ‘I don’t really know anything about that,’ but people usually do know something about at least one part of it so really keen to hear the thoughts from Maori groups and individuals,” she says.
Dr Bargh says some of the issues under review include the voting age, prisoner voting, the Maori option, and donations rules
Submissions close on November 14.