Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated chairman Ngahiwi Tomoana says is he both surprised and disappointed at the Maori Party's poor performance in the parliamentary elections.
"I thought Maori voters would have a long-term strategic lens, but apparently not," he said.
The Maori Party supported the National Party-led government, with its leaders given ministerial portfolios outside Cabinet, but in the recent election failed to gain any seats.
Mr Tomoana said while there was a "very strong" caucus of Maori in Parliament the Maori Party was the obvious target for lobbying. In the yet-to-be-formed next government he was worried Maori parliamentarians would prioritise party interests over Maori interests.
"I'm glad there are so many Maori are in Parliament, but I'm still disappointed ... we'll just have to work with whoever is there."