David Seymour's 'new' policy has been met with derision and scepticism from both sides of the aisle.

The Act leader's announced a private members bill, calling for an end to Maori seats, and fewer MPs and ministers.

However, there is already a bill before Parliament on Maori seats, and New Zealand First is calling for a referendum.

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters says it's a desperate attempt to look relevant from Seymour, but it's not going to save his dying party.

He says Seymour is way behind the eight ball, and too slow out of the blocks.

"Should we have a smaller parliament? Yes. Should the Maori be put to the public? Of course they should be. Should we have a single franchise where everyone is the same? We've always believed that."

Meanwhile, the Opposition leader isn't jumping to support David Seymour, despite National having once have been in favour of scrapping Maori seats.

Simon Bridges says he and most New Zealanders are sympathetic to the idea of fewer MPs and having some control over the executive.

He says in principle, National's position is to do away with the Maori seats, but it won't be as easy as Seymour thinks

"We also know that it will a deeply divisive matter. We'd have to consult with Maoridom. The reality is, it's probably, and I don't mean this flippantly, but its more trouble than it's worth."