Before the election, Winston Peters promised that if his party entered Government we would have a referendum to abolish the Māori seats. He needs to keep this promise.

NZ First’s current initiative to amend Labour’s bill on entrenching the seats is likely too far-fetched to succeed. We need stronger action: Winston Peters has the power to demand a referendum on Māori seats as a condition of NZ First’s continued support of the coalition.

Please sign the petition below to send Mr Peters a clear message that he needs to keep his promise on Māori seats.

We have seen the success of petitions and referendums in blocking race-based seats at the local level. Now we can end this distortion of democracy in Parliament.

We welcome Winston Peters’ call for a two-pronged referendum on whether Māori seats should be entrenched, or should go altogether.