In a surprise move the government minister Meka Whaitiri is set to resign from Labour and join Te Pati Maori.
RNZ understands Ms Whaitiri, who has been MP for Ikaroa-Rawhiti since a by-election in 2013, will make the announcement later this morning at Waipatu Marae in Hastings.
Speaking from London the Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said he hadn't been told. In a text message to Morning Report Te pati Maori President John Tamahere said in response to our inquiries "Well all will be revealed at Waipatu marae this morning after our tikanga is observed."
RNZ political editor Jane Patterson spoke with Ingird Hipkiss.
