Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples says this week's moves towards reform of the Foreshore and Seabed Act highlight the importance of keeping an eye on the big picture.
The Maori Party claimed the deal reached with the Prime Minister on Monday as a victory, but critics, including some iwi leaders and Tai Tokerau MP Hone Harawira, say it still leaves an extremely high bar for Maori to succeed in claims for customary rights.
Dr Sharples told Waatea News that it comes down to what is possible politically, and that the party has to think strategically rather than walk out if it doesn't get everything it wants.
He says he rates the current state of the relationship with National as healthy.