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A member of the Iwi Leaders Group says it’s time for Maori to take their place in the Pacific.
Tukuroirangi Morgan was part of a delegation of iwi leaders who were in Rarotonga this week to tono for a seat on the Polynesian Assembly of Leaders.
He says Maori are bound to Polynesia by whakapapa and history, and there is considerable support for them to work alongside countries like Samoa, Tonga, the Cook Islands on issues that affect the region.
"Whether its fish or environmental sustainability or other business ventures, it is smart that we work together and that we use our collective leverage for the people of the Pacific and the people of Polynesia," Mr Morgan says.
The Iwi Leaders Group expects to get a response from the assembly by the end of the Pacific Leaders Forum on Friday.
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