January 25, 2013
Sharples promising to rejuvenate party
Māori Party co-leader Pita Sharples says he feels he still has a lot to offer the Māori political environment.
Dr Sharples has been granted a reprieve from an immediate leadership challenge from Waiariki MP Te Ururoa Flavell, with the party executive deciding it needed to review the rules before allowing any vote.
He says he is capable of restoring the party's fortunes.
"Well the best way forward is for us to reignite the confidence of our people to come together and tū Māori mai, to stand together as a party, as a people. Those major parties will always be there, they will still have the major emphasis they have now. Our emphasis is Māori, Māori success, Māori growth," Dr Sharples says.
He would not be drawn on whether he thinks the current system of male and female co-leaders should continue, saying that is something the party needs to discuss in its constitutional review.
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