Ngati Porou runanga chairman Api Mahuika has warned Maori they should think twice before voting for the Maori Party.
Dr Mahuika was in Wellington today to sign a Head of Agreements over the foreshore and seabed around the East Cape.
At the ceremony he took issue with Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia previously criticising Maori Affairs Minister Parekura Horomia for "feathering his own nest" in getting the deal agreed to.
Mr Horomia is from the East Cape and represents the Maori electorate covering much of the area.
"Tariana Turia's statement is totally incorrect and if that is the policy of the Maori Party then I would warn Maori people to think again before voting in that direction," Dr Mahuika said.
"If they are the Maori Party they should actually be saying to Ngati Porou `congratulations for making...a precedent others can follow'."
It emerged today that Mr Horomia is facing another challenge for his seat from veteran journalist Derek Fox.
The Dominion Post reported today that Mr Fox, a former Wairoa mayor, was seeking the Maori Party candidacy for Ikaroa-Rawhiti held by Mr Horomia.
Dr Mahuika said both men were his nephews.
"So I would like to stand on the sideline and say congratulations to either one of them.
"I never pick winners in my family because we are all winners.
NZPA
source: newshub archive
