Nats-Maori will talk regardless of victory margin - Sharples

The Maori Party says even if National gain enough votes to govern without its support - National will still be interested in some relationship with the Maori Party.

At his election night head quarters Dr Sharples was losing his voice as he was asked by reporters about Nationals big lead.

Going into election night the Maori Party had the potential to be the kingmaker. By current numbers that might not be the case.

Dr Sharples said it would be disappointing not to be in government - none of the sitting MPs went to parliament to eat their lunch, he said.

"It wouild be nice to have real budgetry responsibility with power."

Party president Whatarangi Winiata spoke about one of the sticking points to that relationship - National's vow to get rid of the seven Maori seats.

"I doubt that very much and I think this is a sign if we go from four to five [seats] this is a sign that people still want an authentic voice then it will be dangerous for National or any party to get rid of the seats."

Some relationship could be worked out if National were looking to it's future beyond this elections, Mr Winiata said. While not a co-alition arrangement, Dr Winiata suggested that the party be given responsibility to manage budgets within Health or Education spending which directly affected Maori.

"Those funds might be put in place for the Maori Party to manage - now that would be perfectly acceptable to our people whoever the Government is I would say because it would be the Maori Party determining the policies and implementing those policies."

"They might need the Maori Party to be effective in certain areas.

"I think if it turns out to be the way its showing now I think National will still want to talk to us because they will have a long future in mind."