Abstract:
The Maori role in the politics of New Zealand is distinguished
by tribal and racial characteristics. The status and extent of the
Maori role in the country ' s government has ever been a matter of dispute.
In recognition of this Maori participation one historical and con temporal
solution has been the establishment of legal ruunanga or committees .
Two such cammcittees were the Native Committees and Papatupu Block
Committees. Consideration of the political advantage of these
committees to the Maori people led to four avenues of investigation.
Firstly, from speculation on traditional Maori politics to the
evolution of Maori tribal and national political participation engenderec
by the Pakeha immigrants and centred in the possession of land. Secondly
to the Native Land Court, a universal target for Maori discontent and a Pakeha restraint on the autonomy of the committees, and also to the
committees where proceedings combined a Maori source with a Pakeha
purpose - the award of title for customary rights to land. Thirdly ,
to the contributions of Maori members of Parliament , the Pakeha opinion ,
Government administration, and Maori response, all of which counted
towards the ' success or failure of the committees. Fourthly , to the
nature of the Maori political role as exemplified in these committees
and other Maori political organizations.
The debate over a singularly Maori application of government in
national politics links all four sections as the main theme.
The Maori opinion is in focus.
