There's a mixed reaction from some of Labours Māori MPs about whether the party should work with the Māori Party ahead of their election campaign. This comes as Party members and MPs gather in Auckland this weekend to discuss their election campaign and the Green Party is expected to play a crucial role.
Labour Party members and MPs have gathered to discuss the party's election strategy. But at this stage, Hauraki-Waikato MP Nanaia Mahuta says a relationship with the Māori Party is not an option.
Hauraki-Waikato MP Nanaia Mahuta says, “At the moment the Māori Party are supporting National, that's why we are working with the Greens, it's an easy coalition. The Green Party's focus is the same as ours. To change this government.”
But Labour's Te Taitokerau MP Kelvin Davis says the issue should be discussed by the party leaders of Labour and the Māori Party.
Te Taitokerau MP Kelvin Davis says, “It's not something the party followers can decide, but we know that talks are good between our Labour Māori council and our Māori Party colleagues.”
Meanwhile, the Green Party is expected to play a major role in Labour's election campaign and in Government post-2017.
NZLP President Nigel Haworth says, “The MoU with The Greens is in place and working well. And I was very pleased to see both Metiria and James here last night.”
In May Labour and Greens signed an MOU to work together in an effort to change the government.
“After the elections, we want to talk to the political parties in parliament. One party we cannot go into coalition with is the National Party and also Act,” says Davis.
“The strategies for Māori seats has been given particular emphasis,” says Haworth.
Tomorrow all ears of the party faithful will be focused on the keynote speech of their Party Leader Andrew Little where he is expected to reveal a new policy to halve the youth unemployment rate.