Does Māori Representation Matter?

Download or read book Does Māori Representation Matter? written by Kim Margaret Summersby and published by . This book was released on 2009 with total page 510 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "This thesis investigates the relationship between Māori descriptive and substantive political representation in New Zealand's parliament and local government. The 1993 parliamentary electoral reforms and optional changes to the structure of local body elections in 2001-02 aimed, in part, to help increase Māori descriptive representation. The overall number of elected Māori representatives in parliament has grown, and the proportion of Māori representatives in local government could increase should electoral reforms be implemented. Consequently, arguments based on democratic justice and equality for ensuring an adequate Māori political presence are being superseded by questions of who Māori MPs and Māori local councillors represent, and whether these representatives are making a difference in politics. This study examines the extent to which elected Māori representatives feel a specific responsibility to represent Māori and the ways Māori substantive representation is manifested. It also considers how institutional arrangements and attitudinal factors constrain or facilitate the promotion of Māori interests. This thesis presents case study analyses of Māori substantive representation based on in-depth interviews with elected Māori representatives. It is supported by an examination of three specific issues relevant to parliament, to help demonstrate how Māori MPs react and respond to issues of importance to Māori "--Abstract.