The Maori Party is no closer to naming a female co-leader to replace Tariana Turia, despite naming two new candidates to contest the general election in September.
Both Mrs Turia, and the party's other founding co-leader, Pita Sharples, will quit politics this year.
At two hui at the weekend, the party named education specialist, Susan Cullen as its candidate for Hauraki-Waikato and a South Auckland Maori leader, Rangi McLean for Tamaki-Makaurau.
Dr Sharples said the party will decide after the election whether it will appoint a female co-leader to replace Tariana Turia, or leave his replacement, Te Ururoa Flavell to go it alone.
Mr McLean cannot become co-leader. Mr Flavell has already been appointed and the Maori Party has a rule that the other leader must be a female.
