Maori remain indifferent when it comes to politics. They've been wedded to the Labour Party since the year dot. Blah, blah, blah. Tariana never listened then when the naysayers didn't rate her chances and she shouldn't now. Do they care if the Maori Party survives or disappears down the gurgler?
Probably not. Their opinions do vary; the party won't survive if it doesn't merge with the Mana Party, it needs to get Te Ururoa's profile up, it must present a more youthful face, and start immediately to disengage from their relationship with the National Government.
Anyone would think Tariana came down in the last shower. She knows a week is a long time in politics. And a year, that's a whole new ball game.
A quiet retreat, away from prying eyes, will give Tariana and Te Ururoa time to look at the party's recent activities, how well they've been managed, and what difference they made. This exercise should clearly show the areas where they will need to do some things differently before next year's general election.
Time is on their side. For the past six years we have heard that the Maori Party has compromised its values and moved away from kaupapa Maori by supporting the National Government.
To stay alive in politics you must learn to compromise and, with MMP firmly entrenched, we have seen this happen even with the main parties. There are some things you can give away and some you can't or won't. There are specific needs that have a higher priority than others and may need to be traded or exchanged if they are to be actioned during the current term. Some may have to be deferred or taken off the political agenda altogether.
Show me a political party that has survived long term that hasn't learnt to compromise. That's politics. Maori Party gains should be talked about more often. Whanau Ora has been in existence for three years. Health providers have had to re-evaluate how they deliver their services to Maori. Future proofing families has seen whanau become more outspoken about the services they need and when they want them. Starting with health services, Whanau Ora is now being extended to education, housing, justice and some other government agencies. If there's a better more cost-effective way of getting positive outcomes you'd be a fool not to try. And taxpayers should be pleased that the Government's pouring of their hard-earned dollars into the big black hole that is social welfare spend, year after year without knowing and measuring the difference made, will eventually be a thing of the past. Looking at this year's Budget saw gains specifically targeted at Maori totalling around $254 million. These included substantial increases in trade and cadetship numbers, providing additional support for family violence and language and education. Kainga whenua, marae and community development were also winners, as well as business support and development.
Those who criticise the Maori Party from the sideline, by saying they sold out by entering into a coalition agreement with National are creating self-erected barriers to moving forward. Marking time, watching and waiting is their sanctuary. The Maori Party could have done the same. Got into Parliament and stood apart, looking on. They had the courage to make their own decisions. To put a stake on the outcome.
Tariana and Te Ururoa can regard this next period as a crisis or an opportunity depending on the views they listen to, adopt and action.
I hope they listen only to those who want to see Maori move up the ladder in a manner that preserves their dignity and also benefits the entire nation.
