Mana Party leader Hone Harawira claims there are signs more and more voters are drifting away from the Maori Party, which he says is evident in its failed attempt to attract new candidates.
Hone Harawira. Photo: RNZ
Last year, the Maori Party held informal talks with retired heavyweight boxer David Tua to help bridge the gap between Maori and Pacific voters.
Mr Harawira says there were hardly any Northland supporters of the Maori Party at this year's Waitangi Day celebrations, just those from outside of the electorate.
The Maori Party's close relationship with National is turning a lot of voters off and that it's too late to call themselves independent after six years as National's coalition partner, he says.
The Maori Party is chasing many candidates - and being rejected - which Mr Harawira says shows that support for the party is waning.
