Ratana support for Maori Party grows

The Dominion Post reports that some of Ratana’s parishes are setting up Maori Party branches.

I understand there is huge conflict within Ratana on their official support for Labour. The hierarchy want to stick with the deal, but the vast majority of the rank and file want to support the Maori Party.

I think there is no doubt the Maori Party will win at least five of the seven Maori seats. The only question is whether they get more than five with Mahuta and Tamihere being the only possible survivors.

Labour will deny this, but watch for very high list rankings for all their Maori MPs to protect them.