Harawira to launch new party next week

Hone Harawira. Photo / Richard Robinson

Controversial independent MP Hone Harawira has announced he will be launching a new political party next week.

Mr Harawira, who quit the Maori Party in February, will launch the party at Te Mahurehure marae in the Auckland suburb of Point Chevalier next Saturday.

The invite to the launch says the party will be an independent voice for Maori.

Mr Harawira, the MP for the Tai Tokerau electorate, and the Maori Party had previously agreed on a deal to not stand in each others' electorates but Mr Harawira has since indicated this may be called off.

A small poll on Mr Harawira's website on a name for the new party puts Aotearoa (33 votes) ahead of The Real Maori Party (31).

Other name suggestions include Mana, Kaitiati and Tino Rangatiratanga.

Mr Harawira could not be reached for comment.

- NZPA