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Salient. Victoria University of Wellington Student's Newspaper. Volume 31, Number 4. March 26 1968

Maori M.P. plea

Maori M.P. plea

"The retention of Maori representation in Parliament is imperative," Mrs. W. Tirikatene-Sullivan (Labour) M.P., told students on Wednesday.

"The retention of Maori representation in Parliament is imperative," Mrs. W. Tirikatene-Sullivan (Labour) M.P., told students on Wednesday.

She was addressing a lunch-hour meeting on the subject of "The Maori people and political change".

"The Maori's viewpoint and aspirations can best be repre-Maoris themselves." she said.

They had "more specialised insights" into Maori concerns and problems than had Europeans, she said.

For example, European MP's generally were "unable to fathom the complexity, and implications, of the controversial Maori Affairs Amendment Bill.

"It would be ideal for Maori representation to occur from an integrated roll," she said.

But until there was evidence that proportionate numbers of Maoris were being chosen to contest European electorates, the system or separate Maori seats would have to continue.