The Kingi Movement and the Māori Party have met and agreed to formally work together on issues relating to Māori and want to send a clear message to the government.
Minister of Māori Development and co-leader for the Māori party Te Ururoa Flavell says, “If they are scared, then they should be. The Māori Party is gearing up for the upcoming election.”
This comes after discussions between the Māori Party and the Kingitanga who want to address issues affecting Māori like homelessness and poverty. The question is, will Labour be open to working with both groups?
Labour MP Peeni Henare says, “No doubt, this is something we will discuss. It's something we will talk about with our leader Andrew (Little).”
This comes after King Tuheitia openly supported the Māori Party during his speech at the Coronation celebrations in the weekend.
Flavell says, “It came from his mouth on his day when he gets an opportunity to face his people. It was in his words, it was in his mind.”
The Māori Party says they'll be looking to win all seven Māori seats at next year's election.