The 1885 Southern Maori by-election was a by-election held on 10 June 1885 in the Southern Maori electorate during the 9th New Zealand Parliament.
The by-election was caused by the resignation of the incumbent, Hōri Kerei Taiaroa, when he was re-appointed to the Legislative Council.
Taiaroa has been appointed to the Legislative Council in February 1879, but in August 1880 had been disqualified over a technicality, a cause of bitterness and resentment among Māori. When appointed by Sir George Grey Taiaroa held (and continued to hold) a salaried (government) office, hence was not eligible to sit in the Council, despite having attended three sessions.[1]
The by-election was won by Tame Parata.
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Independent | Tame Parata | 147 | 42.61 | ||
Independent | Henare Paratini[3] | 104 | 30.14 | ||
Independent | Hone Taare Tikao[4] | 94 | 27.25 | ||
Majority | 43 | 12.46 | |||
Turnout | 345 |