Te Tai Tokerau meet over Harawira

Suspended Maori Party MP Hone Harawira in his seat at Parliament in Wellington earlier this week. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Suspended Maori Party MP Hone Harawira spent today talking with constituents in his Tai Tokerau electorate following a disciplinary hearing in Wellington on Wednesday.

Mr Harawira was subject to a formal complaint by fellow MP Te Ururoa Flavell last month, after writing a column saying his party had become too caught up in its coalition with National and was supporting anti-Maori policies.

He was suspended from the party's caucus on Monday, with co-leaders Tariana Turia and Pita Sharples saying the caucus had no faith or confidence in him.

A disciplinary committee met for five hours in Wellington on Wednesday to discuss the complaint, and adjourned so Mr Harawira could confer with people in his northern electorate today and tomorrow.

Committee chairwoman Te Orohi Paul said the adjournment was approved on the understanding that Mr Harawira would communicate back directly her on the outcome of the Tai Tokerau hui.

Ms Paul said the continuation of the committee's hearing was expected early next week.

Te Tai Tokerau electorate chair Lisa McNab told NZPA Mr Harawira had been on the road visiting electorate offices all day and would make his final stop at Te Patu marae, near Kaitaia, about 6pm.

Following the hearing on Wednesday, Mr Harawira said the meeting had gone well but gave no indication he was prepared to back away from his criticism about the party's direction.

"I am glad there's been an adjournment until we get a chance to talk about some of the issues that Te Ururoa raised today and the opportunity to come back and discuss it with the committee at a later stage, as soon as we can," he said.

- NZPA