A Maori politics lecturer at Victoria University says young Maori voters are seeking advice from senior members of their whanua.
Maria Bargh says there is a perception that politics is for experts and those who don't understand tend to get advice from people such as their kaumatua.
She says some Maori families have for generations favoured a certain party and in the past the Labour Party has done well in Maori seats.
The New Zealand First Party has also been attractive to Maori.
Dr Bargh says a split occurred when the Maori Party was created, with people's party vote going to Labour and electorate tick going to the Maori candidate.
