Maori issues: The contenders

TE TAI TOKERAU

Labour: Dover Samuels, sitting MP with 5336 majority.

Associate Minister of Tourism, Economic Development, Housing and Industry and Regional Development. Entered Parliament in 1996 on party list.

Campaigning on Maori gains under Labour Government, including a big drop in unemployment, gains in education participation and performance, and growth of Maori health and education providers.

An old battler who still gets fired up by a campaign and gives it his all. The long-time Labour stalwart has had bruising times over the past six years, beginning with the loss of his Maori Affairs Minister job. Still determined to convince voters in the North of the benefits of the foreshore law.

Maori Party: Hone Harawira, contesting first election.

Chief executive of Northland radio station, community organiser, high-profile treaty activist. Came to national prominence through organisation of last year's foreshore and seabed hikoi to Parliament.

Campaigning on providing independent Maori voice in Parliament. Wants greater focus on improving Maori educational performance, employment, access to health and recognition of Treaty of Waitangi rights.

Has emerged as the Maori Party's most capable political campaigner and organiser. Savvy communicator, who at times demonstrates the charisma that wins votes. Tarnished by history of protest and Maori activism. Can appear intimidatory, which fuels his reputation among some as a bully.

TAMAKI MAKAURAU

Labour: John Tamihere, sitting MP with 9444 majority.

Former Minister of Land Information, Statistics, Small Business and Youth Affairs, and Associate Minister of Maori Affairs, and Commerce. Entered Parliament in 1996.

Campaigning on gains for Maori under a Labour Government, and ability to deliver on promises. Critical of divisiveness of a separate Maori Party, and what he believes is an undue emphasis on past injustices against Maori.

Charismatic but controversial, he came close to being axed from the Labour caucus for criticising others in the party. Capable politician whose hot head, unpredictability and penchant for controversy have damaged a promising political future.

Maori Party: Pita Sharples, a political newcomer.

Maori educationist head of West Auckland's Hoani Waititi kura kaupapa.

Heavily involved in promoting Maori culture and language. A driving force in development of Maori education, especially the kura kaupapa and kohanga reo movements.

Campaigning on strengthening the links of whanau in social well-being of Maori community. Greater use of and emphasis on te reo Maori and stronger links between the country's diverse ethnic groups.

An earnest but untested politico. Struggling to demonstrate urgency and think-on-your-feet skills to match the charisma and intensity of his Labour opponent.

TAINUI

Labour: Nanaia Mahuta, sitting MP with a 3430 majority. Parliamentary Private Secretary for Education and Local Government. Entered Parliament on Labour list in 1996.

Campaigning on Maori gains under Labour, student loan interest cuts and accelerating treaty settlements.

A hard worker at the coal face, but has until the last year been almost invisible nationally. Won support in demonstrating defiance and then compromise in eventually supporting the foreshore and seabed legislation. Assisted by impeccable whakapapa, and appreciation of her increased confidence and experience from her nine years in office.

Maori Party: Angeline Greensill.

Maori academic and strong environmental campaigner. Daughter of the late veteran land protester and respected leader Eva Rickard.

Former candidate for Mana Maori Movement, gaining 1839 votes at the last election.

One of the few Maori Party candidates with previous campaigning experience. Genuine, articulate and hard working, but struggles to inspire voters or demonstrate leadership traits that sway many Maori.

Campaigning on providing a united Maori voice in Parliament, strengthening whanau involvement in social initiatives and ensuring greater emphasis on the Treaty of Waitangi and environmental issues.

IKAROA-RAWHITI

Labour: Parekura Horomia, Minister of Maori Affairs, Associate Minister of Employment, Education, State Services, Fisheries and Youth Affairs. Majority of 10,359.

An MP since 1999, Mr Horomia has overseen a number of gains for Maori in his term as Minister of Maori Affairs. Has a strong background in community and iwi initiative in Ngati Porou, and a successful career in the public sector.

Campaigning on Maori gains under Labour, and the reality of truly influencing policy only while in government. Strong proponent of kura kaupapa and kohanga reo.

Mr Horomia's jovial persona and enthusiasm on the marae have earned him the affection of Maori voters. But he has struggled in Parliament where his communication skills have, largely deservedly, taken a hammering. Is intent on avoiding confrontation as a minister, which sometimes sparks accusations of indecisiveness and malleability.

Maori Party: Atareta Poananga, highly educated and a qualified lawyer.

Career includes a stint as the first Maori woman diplomat. She is a strong proponent of independent Maori political development and a fierce opponent of the foreshore and seabed legislation.

A former Auckland District Maori Council member and Maori Council delegate. Gisborne District councillor since 1998.

While articulate, Ms Poananga's perceived rigidity - sometimes considered over the top - is likely to turn off conservative Maori voters.

Lacks the charisma required to win over voters because of her at times confrontational and outspoken style, and has failed to move beyond the Maori activist platform.

TE TAI HAUAURU

Maori Party: Tariana Turia, entered Parliament in 1996 on Labour list. Won seat in 2002 with 8657 majority.

Involved in Maori social and health initiatives under Labour. At times controversial, she eventually left the party in protest at the foreshore and seabed legislation.

Mrs Turia won the subsequent byelection with over 92 per cent of all votes cast.

A more wily campaigner and more astute politician than her homely grandmotherly persona implies, she has strong support and respect for her stance on the foreshore and seabed, but an apparent inflexibility damages the party's chance of assuaging concerns it may be untenable in coalition talks with the main parties.

Labour: Errol Mason.

A political newcomer who seemed an almost reluctant candidate when his appointment was announced last year.

The son of Ratana Church leader Harerangi Mason, he believes his whanau links and working-class background, including 28 years in the meat industry, will help his cause.

A strong lineage should do him well in politics, but it will take a lot of work to erode the support his opponent enjoys.

WAIARIKI

Labour: Mita Ririnui, Minister of State, Associate Minister of Health, Corrections, Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations and Forestry. Majority of 6717.

Campaigning on gains made under the Labour Government, and the advantage of working within government to make changes for Maori.

A reasonably articulate but not a particularly vocal MP. He is working to improve this but it hasn't helped Labour's Maori caucus, which he chairs, to stamp its mark. Caucus has, however, lacked in this regard under other MPs.

Does his homework in Parliament but has faced criticism for failing to front up in the electorate. The Ratana minister is up against a similarly circumspect opponent, so any fireworks in this campaign are likely to come from the voters.

Maori Party: Te Ururoa Flavell

A former tertiary and secondary educator and principal, he has a strong background in advisory work on Maori issues. A political newcomer, contesting his first election.

Genuine and earnest, he has strong support and respect in his Te Arawa heartland but may struggle to attract votes and recognition outside Rotorua.

TE TAI TONGA

Labour: Mahara Okeroa, with 8052 majority. Elected to Parliament in 1999.

A former teacher and adviser on Maori educational development, Mr Okeora is campaigning on gains under the Labour Government. A strong advocate for kohanga reo and kura kaupapa, and other early learning initiatives for Maori.

Personable and intelligent but has kept his powder dry longer than he should have. Works hard to get out and about in his huge electorate.

Maori Party: Monte Ohia

Maori academic and former teacher. A strong advocate of Maori educational development, and a former general manager Maori, New Zealand Qualifications Authority.

Heavily involved in the church, Mr Ohia is a founder of the World Christian Gathering on Indigenous People.

Strong social conservatism may isolate him from some in the electorate.