The National Party may not need the Maori Party in its coalition in order to govern, but after the positive relationship the two groups have managed to create and maintain over the past three years they may get into bed anyway.
Political commentator Ella Henry says the Maori Party’s best option for its constituents is to do a deal with the Government.
“I think political history tells us that the people who are at the top table are more effective than the rabble who are standing at the front of the table shouting and throwing sticks and bread,” she says.
Ms Henry says there have been clear benefits for Maori during National’s reign and these have all come from the Maori Party, such as the repeal of the foreshore and seabed act.
“I think that they were tangible achievements, the rest of it was really being at the table presenting a Maori perspective on all issues,” she says.
Ms Henry says criticism of the party from Mana Party leader Hone Harawira, who effectively accused the Maori Party of being National’s lapdog, has not been felt in the electorates and this has been reflected in the Maori Party’s strong party vote numbers.
Lower voter numbers have been the talking point in the post-election fallout and Ms Henry says a large amount of voter apathy was behind this year’s poor results.
“I think many felt ‘National’s going to win, if I’m not a National supporter, why bother?” she says.
Maori Party co-leaders Pita Sharples and Tariana Turia are both expected to resign from politics at the next election.
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3 News