Maori Party delays Harawira decision

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 2:48p.m.

It will be several more days before Hone Harawira's standing within the Maori Party will be known.

A two-day hui at Whangarei to discuss the controversial MP's future role ended this afternoon with a decision to refer the matters in dispute to the full caucus of the Maori Party in Wellington on Tuesday.

The decision of caucus will be final, according to the party's president Whatarangi Winiata, who emerged from the meeting side-by-side with a smiling Mr Harawira.

Mr Harawira's future with the party has been in question, following his "white motherf....rs" comment in an email, a reaction to criticism of his unauthorised trip to Paris while on a parliamentary trip to Europe.

The MP refused to be interviewed today but appeared confident when he read a short statement which said Tuesday's resolution would be "fair, just, appropriate and final. We will report fully on the outcome later this week... I'm looking forward to the discussions with my caucus colleagues."

Previously Prof Winiata had suggested that Mr Harawira should become an independent MP. However he said that had been rejected by Mr Harawira's constituents - "Tai Tokerau made it abundantly clear they don't want it."

Prof Winiata said there was no deadlock and the hui had agreed unanimously on the process to be followed during the week.

He said the parties most closely involved over the last four or five weeks would be at the meeting and "it doesn't have to go beyond Tuesday".

NZPA

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