February 20, 2017
Maori Party gives Harawira clear run in north
Hone Harawira has stood down the rest of his Mana movement from contesting the Maori seats in exchange for the Maori Party leaving him a clear run against Labour's Kelvin Davis in Te Taitokerau.
The deal was signed in Whangarei this morning by Mr Harawira, Maori Party president Tukoroirangi Morgan and co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell, marking a formal end to the conflict that led to Mr Harawira splitting from the Maori Paty seven years ago.
The Maori Party took more than 2500 votes in Te Taitokerau at the last election, so the deal will put pressure on Mr Davis.
Tamaki Makaurau MP Peeni Henare's majority is also less than the Mana candidate took last election.
Mr Morgan says Maori disunity gifted the Maori seats to Labour in 2014 and it's time to bring all the seats home to kaupapa Maori parties.
He says that means the parties can hold the balance of power in Parliament and ensure a strong voice in government, regardless of which major party rules.
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