Votes may be scarce in Hauraki-Waikato

Published in the Waikato Times

The voice of Waikato Maori is likely to be lost this election.

The region's Maori electorate is the youngest in the country, Statistics New Zealand figures show.

This has led one commentator to predict a low turnout in the Hauraki-Waikato electorate, at the general election on September 20.

Hamilton political scientist David Calderwood was concerned by the revelation that the median age in the Maori electorate was just 23, 15 years younger than in general electorates.

"Generally speaking, younger people don't turn out [to vote] as much as older people. The Maori electorate tend to feel disenfranchised anyway so this will lead to an even lower turnout. It is certainly going to make it worse."

Statistics New Zealand said a total of 20 percent of the district identifies as Maori and Calderwood said political parties were likely to neglect their needs if they didn't vote.

"If you don't take part, your voice isn't going to be heard. The only votes that count are the ones that are cast and in terms of policy, you can be ignored."

With the decline of political canvassing, people don't feel as if their MPs are listening to them.

Calderwood suggested political candidates take to social media to encourage the younger population to get involved with the political system.

"For people to feel their opinions are important, politicians have to use social media. It [low voter turnout] is not just a problem with young people and it's not an easy problem to solve."

Labour MP for Hauraki-Waikato Nanaia Mahuta said the Maori population in Hauraki-Waikato was significantly young.

"Their vote [is] important in setting a direction for Government policies that will help them to achieve their aspirations."

She said focusing on education and training, as well as Labour policies to raise the minimum wage, should encourage younger voters.

The 43-year-old Mahuta said young people wanted to see more youthful politicians in order to feel more connected to politics.

"For young people to vote they need to see young people advocating for them, and who understand them and Labour has a great team of candidates to appeal specifically to young voters."

She believed raising awareness around voting was important and was using social media to support a campaign.

"I am also supporting community- based activities around the 'Vote Maori Vote' social media campaign which is not politically-aligned and raises awareness about enrolling to vote."

#news #politics #stats