The first party representing New Zealand’s indigenous Maori won a seat in parliament in a July 10 by-election. Tariana Turia, a former Labour Party MP, beat five other opponents, capturing 90 percent of the vote. Turia had resigned from the Labour Party in opposition to policies regarding Maori rights. The new Maori Party was formed in reaction to a government plan to nationalize New Zealand’s coastline, which the Maori claim as their rightful property.
