Harawira Aims for Four Seats

Newly independent Te Tai Tokerau MP Hone Harawira is predicting that his as-yet unformed political party could win as many as four Parliamentary seats in November’s General Election.

Harawira, who resigned from the Māori Party late last month amid controversy, was responding to the latest NATIVE AFFAIRS/Baseline political poll,1 which found that nearly a third2 of Maori-roll voters surveyed across the seven Maori electorates would back a Hone Harawira-led party.

With the poll also showing that Maori voters clearly prefer the Maori party to form a coalition with Labour rather than National, there is potential for the outspoken, uncompromising MP to play a significant role in forming the next Government.

Harawira, who appeared live on NATIVE AFFAIRS at 8.30pm last night, said he felt “humbled” by the poll result. Weekend meetings had showed any national party he started would enjoy wide support: “There’s a lot of pressure for it … there’s a lot of interest.”

Although Harawira’s exit agreement with the Maori Party stated that he would not stand for any other seat and the Māori Party would not stand a candidate in his seat, Harawira said other options were available, such as fielding list candidates.

Asked by NATIVE AFFAIRS host Julian Wilcox whether a Harawira-led led party could win more than just the Tai Tokerau seat, Harawira said: “If we started a new party, I’m absolutely convinced that we can. All the polls are suggesting at least two, possibly three [seats] … I think if we do a good job, lay down good, solid policy and get really strong candidates, we can win at least four seats in Parliament.”

However, he added, a new party “still something I need to take around the country … this isn’t just about Hone making a decision; this is about the people’s decision.”

Also appearing on NATIVE AFFAIRS to discuss the poll were Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples, Minister Hekia Parata, Labour MP Parekura Horomia and Green MP Metiria Turei. Sharples said the conflict between Harawira and the Maori Party had been “a distraction. I regret that it’s gone this way but I’m glad it’s gone, it’s finished … but you know, we’re cousins, we’re relations, we’re brothers, so it’s been quite trying.”

NATIVE AFFAIRS – intelligent, incisive, indigenous current affairs. Live every Monday at 8.30PM and online at www.maoritelevision.com.

ENDS

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