November 16, 2022
Māori option to come with time limits
National has forced restrictions on a bill aimed at making it easier for Māori to switch between electoral rolls,
The Māori Electoral Option Bill has been reported back from select committee and is expected to get its third reading this week.
It replaces the current option which happens after every five-yearly census with a system where Māori can shift at any time – except within three months of a general, local body or by-election.
Justice Minister Kiritapu Allan says that change was negotiated to get National to support the bill, which is needed for it to meet the 75 percent threshold required for changes to the Electoral Act.
“The provisions for that and where I think the general sense was is that so people couldn’t game a system, that it made sure there were belts and braces to ensure everyone had a fair shot to switch between those two rolls,” she says.
The new law should come into effect in time for next year’s general election.