October 28, 2012
Māori Party counts numbers for rebuild
The Māori Party has ruled out major structural change before the next election, opting instead to focus on its sagging membership.
The party’s first annual meeting since last year’s election heard there are now only about 600 financial members, down from a peak of about 23,000 in 2005.
Consultant Matthew Jensen told the 50 delegates at Papawai near Greytown that the party should drop the Māori name and target other voters in a bid to avoid extinction in 2014 or 2017, but this was rejected.
Co-leader Pita Sharples says it’s too late for a rebrand.
A remit to amend the constitution to allow for one leader was also referred for further discussion.
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