The Maori Party is pushing forward former co-leader, Sir Pita Sharples, as a possible candidate for the Auckland Mayoralty.
Members of the party met at Te Ohāki Marae in Huntly for their Annual General Meeting.
Māori Party President Naida Glavish has said she would back the former party co-leader if he decided to run.
After a dismal result in the 2014 General Elections, standing Māori Party candidates in the 2016 local government elections is one of the areas of focus at this year’s AGM.
Earlier this week the party said it was “time for Māori voters to come back home”. In a press statement it said there was the only political party in Parliament that represents the Māori perspective and prioritises Māori concerns, “We are the only political party in this country focused on supporting Māori-driven strategies in housing, education, family violence and the revival of our language,” said Māori Party Co-Leader Te Ururoa Flavell.
“Like most kaupapa Māori organisations, we punch well above our weight.”
The AGM continues tomorrow.