Media Release

2 October 2008

Nats Should Explain Maori Party Links

New Zealand First has called on National and the Maori Party to come clean about their plans for trying to sort out a coalition deal.

Leader Rt Hon Winston Peters says the National candidate for Mana, Hekia Parata, is openly touting for party votes for the Maori Party and he says she would not be doing this without the approval of the National leadership.

“National and the Maori Party have been cosying up to each other for months, and it is unlikely that Hekia Parata, a person of some standing, would be acting independently of her party.

“National and the Maori Party have every right to hold talks but they should come out in the open and tell the people of New Zealand what they are discussing.

“No matter what John Key says about abolishing Maori seats, always remember that National has extremely flexible principles when it is pursuing power,” said Mr Peters.

ENDS

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