Maori Party not contesting Harawira seat, for now

The Maori Party is ruling out standing against Hone Harawira in his Te Tai Tokerau electorate -- for now.

Maori Party stalwarts have been hunting for a candidate to contest Mr Harawira's seat, which could breach a deal struck between the party and its former MP.

When Mr Harawira quit in February, the party agreed it would not stand against him for November's election, and if he formed a new party, he said he would not challenge the Maori Party's MPs.

Maori Party president Pem Bird told NZPA party loyalists were looking for candidates as "to be expected", but the decision was up to the party council.

"People up in Te Tai Tokerau are wondering what's happening and keen to participate in the whole process, but that would be council business at the end of the day."

"There has been nothing official from the party itself, its council or its leadership."

Mr Bird said the Maori Party would respect the agreement unless Mr Harawira breached it, though many have informally expressed concerns that he already has by speaking "disparagingly" about the party.

People would have a chance to voice their concerns at the national council meeting on April 16, the first since the deal was signed in February.

"That's not to say that what they are saying it correct or incorrect. They have a view and we shall hear it at that meeting.

"If the agreement is broken by Hone then we would reconsider our position."

Mr Bird said the top priority was to re-establish an electorate committee in Te Tai Tokerau, which no longer officially exists since Mr Harawira quit the party.

"People up there want to retain their links with the Maori Party. That would enable them to participate in all the matters around the council table.

"That's an absolute must," he said.

Mr Harawira was unavailable for comment.

NZPA
Fri, 08 Apr 2011

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Maori Party not contesting Harawira seat, for now