A recent survey by Digipoll revealed that the newly formed Maori Party could capture all seven seats reserved for Maori members of parliament in 2005's general election (yet to be scheduled). Currently, six out of the seven seats are held by the Labour Party with one Maori Party representative.
The main platforms of the Maori Party are self-determination for indigenous people and the prevention of nationalization of New Zealand foreshore and seabed—areas that were granted to the Maori under colonial agreements, but which are now being considered for public use. According to Digipoll, a New Zealand-based polling statistics company, the majority of those in favor of the Maori Party come from low socio-economic backgrounds and from upper class backgrounds with a notable absence of the middle classes. These statistics mark the progress of the Maori Party, formed only four months ago.
