Governing party, the ACT, has campaigned against race-based laws and regulations in the country.
The University of Auckland has come under criticism from the ACT Party over a photo of what appears to be a segregated space that only allows access to Maori and Pasifika students.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on March 26, ACT, headed by David Seymour and part of the country’s tri-party government, posted a picture of a sign that read, “This is a designated area for Maori and Pasifika students. Thank you.”
In a media release published online, ACT party Tertiary Education spokesperson Parmjeet Parmar said, “Blocking access to spaces based on ethnicity has an ugly past and has no future in New Zealand @AucklandUni and any others with segregated spaces owe an explanation to the Kiwis who pay their bills.”
In the lead-up to last year’s general election, ACT campaigned heavily on ending the perceived division created by race-based policies. This includes campaigns against separate Maori Electoral seats and a Maori Health Authority, the latter was set up by the previous Labour Government.
At the time, ACT leader David Seymour, who is of Ngapuhi Maori descent, said ACT was committed to “remove the Māori Health Authority and turning policy away from Labour’s race obsession. Instead, we should be focused on the best public services that get results for New Zealanders from every background, including Māori.”
A separate Maori Health Authority was recently abolished by the new government as part of its 100-day plan.
Maori make up 7 percent of students currently studying at the University, while Pasifika students are at 9 per cent. Asian students make up the majority with 47 percent, while Caucasians (labelled as Pakeha) are at 32 percent.
Collin Tukuitonga a doctor and associate dean at the University of Auckland’s Faculty of Medical and Health Science, made headlines in December 2023 when he resigned from government advisory roles after the National Party won the general election.
“I really don’t want to work for this government. I have no confidence. They are not going to treat Pacific people well and I want to be free to speak up and speak out, ” Dr. Tukuitonga said.
The picture drew the ire of many online, with one X commenter saying “The depraved divisive socialist agenda is alive and well at New Zealand’s biggest University.”
On Reddit, one poster said the University had also tried to create a Maori-only floor in its halls of residence:
“As a Maori person, this is crazy what is it with uoa and trying to have segregation the halls (which) also have an option for (a) ‘Maori only floor.’”
Another said the move to designate a space for Maori and Pasifika was not a new concept:
“When I was at uni they had these spaces, but it wasn’t a rule that was enforced or anything. It was more that if you weren’t Pacific or Maori you might feel a bit awkward in those spaces as you would be less familiar with the culture and vibes, which is how some Pacific and Maori feel in a lot of their classes.”
Dr. Parmjeet Parmar also alleged the practice is prevalent at other New Zealand academic institutions.
“ACT has seen similar accounts from other universities. If true, this is nothing short of segregation. Universities must front up and be open about whether they are engaging in these practices.”
It is understood the sign has now been removed,
The Epoch Times approached the University for comment.
A spokeswoman said, “I am awaiting a response from the leadership team on this ,” but added that a statement would be released on March 27.