The National Party has confirmed it wants to see the eventual abolition of the Maori seats in Parliament.

The party today released its Maori Affairs and Treaty Negotiations policies, promising to "devote fresh energy and leadership" to advancing Treaty settlements.

It wants to settle all historic claims by 2014, a deadline it has set in the past.

"Linked to the settlement of historic Treaty claims is our policy on the Maori seats," Party leader John Key said.

"At the conclusion of the settlement of historic Treaty claims, National will begin a constitutional process to abolish the Maori seats. National wishes to see all New Zealanders on the same electoral roll."

Abolishing the Maori seats would be a difficult issue if National has to negotiate with the Maori Party after the election.

The Maori Party, which holds four of the seven Maori seats, is firmly opposed to abolishing them and wants them entrenched in law.

Mr Key said Maori aspiration was the aim of the policies.

"Maori view the Treaty of Waitangi as under-pinning their development, laying the blueprint for economic independence, and a relationship with the Crown based on mutual respect and a common purpose," he said.

"The Treaty envisages all New Zealanders moving forward together, with a shared commitment to the future."

The main points of the Maori Affairs policy are:

* Putting a big focus on investment in education, including national standards, trades in schools and greater participation in early childhood education through Kohanga Reo and Kura Kaupapa, and expanding Te Kotahitanga;

* Improving health and housing outcomes for Maori, including working with Maori health providers and Maori collectives on housing;

* Working to increase investment in Maori assets and enterprises, including working with iwi enterprises and their leaders to help overcome barriers to economic development;

* Acknowledging the importance of Maori language and culture, including committing to Maori broadcasting and the promotion of Maori language, arts and culture; and

* Working with Te Puni Kokiri to strengthen and expand successful and proven Maori-led programmes to advance outcomes for Maori.

The main points of the Treaty Negotiations policy are:

* Appointing independent settlement facilitators to chair negotiations, keep to process moving forward and ensure both parties act in good faith;

* More effective post-settlement liaison to ensure durable settlements and an end to Treaty litigation;

* Refine the claim negotiation process;

* Review the impact of increases in prices, and in particular land prices, on Treaty settlements;

* Give the Waitangi Tribunal enough support to sit full-time and review remuneration; and

* Speed up the time taken to pass settlement legislation.