Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson says strengthening Māori political representation, protecting Te Tiriti o Waitangi and confronting divisive political rhetoric will be central issues heading into the 2026 General Election.
Speaking with Dale Husband on Radio Waatea, Davidson discussed the design of New Zealand’s enrolment and electoral system, the future of the Māori electorates, the Waitangi Tribunal’s recent findings on Treaty reforms, and comments made by New Zealand First leader Winston Peters.
Davidson said the current enrolment and Māori Electoral Option process remains unnecessarily restrictive and creates barriers for Māori wanting to exercise their democratic choice.
The discussion follows renewed debate around the Māori roll after reports of enrolment difficulties and longstanding calls for reform of the Māori Electoral Option. Davidson reiterated the Green Party’s commitment to strengthening Māori political representation, including entrenching the Māori electorates so they cannot be removed by a simple parliamentary majority. The Greens have also highlighted strong Māori representation within their own candidate list for the 2026 election.
She said democratic participation should be made easier, not more complicated, arguing Māori should have confidence that the electoral system works fairly and consistently for all voters.
Davidson also reflected on the recent Waitangi Tribunal findings, which concluded aspects of the Government’s proposed Treaty reforms breached Te Tiriti principles and had caused prejudice to Māori while damaging the Māori–Crown relationship.
She said the Tribunal’s conclusions reinforced concerns raised by Māori organisations and communities over the direction of Government policy, arguing the findings demonstrate the importance of genuine partnership with Māori in decision-making.
The Greens maintain that Te Tiriti should remain a foundational part of New Zealand’s constitutional and legislative framework and have committed to reversing policies they believe weaken Treaty obligations.
Davidson Responds to Winston Peters
The interview also turned to the increasingly heated political exchanges following comments by Winston Peters towards Green MP Lawrence Xu-Nan.
Davidson said she believes it is time for Peters to leave politics, arguing his comments have further inflamed division rather than contributing constructively to political debate. She also criticised Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s response, suggesting he had failed to show the leadership required to address the controversy and accusing him of lacking the resolve to challenge his coalition partner.
Davidson said the coming election presents voters with a choice over the future direction of Aotearoa, including the protection of Te Tiriti, the strength of Māori representation in Parliament and the health of New Zealand’s democratic institutions.
She said ensuring Māori voices remain strong within Parliament and across government decision-making will continue to be a central priority for the Green Party as campaigning intensifies.
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