Māori and the Media: A critique of the Print Media's Representations of Māori Leading up to the 2005 Elections
Race issues were a predominant feature of the 2005 electoral campaign in New Zealand. Opposition political parties deliberately polarised the nation by using race and nationalism as tools to improve their electoral support. Racial populism sensationalised by media coverage brought about sweeping changes to Government policy in relation to Māori. The election results show that New Zealand is deeply divided on issues of race. All mainstream political parties have by now used nationalist sentiments of equality to deny recognition of Māori rights as indigenous peoples while Māori responded to racist rhetoric (and practice) by forming a new Māori political party. The Māori party succeeded in gaining enough seats in parliament to ensure Māori politics will not be rendered invisible by mainstream politicians. This paper will critique the print media's representations of the Māori party as they struggled to gain legitimacy and in their struggle for access to political power
Keywords: race, ethnicity, indigenous, racism, media
Dr. Ann Sullivan
Associate Professor, Department of Maori Studies, University of Auckland
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Ref: H06P0075