Election Process

Each Electorate holds four seats, two for Maori and two for non-Maori.  In total the combined twelve Electorates hold forty-eight seats, twenty-four for Maori and twenty-four for non-Maori.  The election outcome for all seats is based on the highest votes and successful applicants hold their seats for a four year term.

Out of the four seats per Electorate, two members (one Maori and one non-Maori) enter the House (Paremata—stern of a canoe) as Members of Paremata and two members (one Maori and one Non-Maori) remain in the Runanga (Electorate) as Runanga Representatives.

A Referendum allows for a By-election to be held to fill vacant seats and to allow those Electorates that did not reach their 1% registration to participate in the next elections.  If required, the by-election date would be determined when the House sits.