Maori and the vote

The involvement of the indigenous Maori people in New Zealand's electoral system is one of the most remarkable stories in this country's political history.

Although New Zealand's 1852 constitution was theoretically colour-blind, very few Maori were able to vote in early elections because they owned their lands communally. The wars of the 1860s fuelled debate about Maori representation, and in 1867 four parliamentary seats were set up specifically for Maori. As a result of this legislation, Maori men achieved universal suffrage 12 years before European men.

Explore the fascinating history of the Maori electoral system, and see how it has evolved over 140 years to become a distinctive feature of New Zealand's political landscape.