Research shows Maori at least 43 per cent pakeha

Dr Rod Lea

On average Maori are at least 43 per cent European, according to genetic research.

The research findings were presented by Environmental Science and Research (ESR) senior scientist Dr Rod Lea at an American Society of Human Genetics conference in New Orleans last week, the Sunday Star-Times newspaper reported today.

The research was based on an analysis of earlier published data about 10,000 Maori in the DNA criminal database.

Dr Lea said despite the significant levels of European genetic content, Maori remained "genetically unique".

The newspaper said he was now developing an ancestry blood test, for health research purposes, that would allow individuals to tell how much Maori ancestry they had.

National Party leader Don Brash provoked a storm of discussion last month when he questioned those who talked "as if the Maori remain a distinct indigenous people".

Dr Brash told the newspaper the latest research was irrelevant to the point he had been making.

"Laws based on race are wrong," he said. "All New Zealanders should be treated equally before the law."

Maori commentator Dr Ranginui Walker welcomed the development of a blood test, saying it was much needed to find out why Maori were more at risk of particular diseases such as diabetes.

A spokesperson for Environmental Science and Research said the institute had no plans to use any ancestry blood test for crime scene analysis, or to offer it to other government departments for other purposes.

- NZPA