February 02, 2017
Jackson jump shock for loyal MPs
Mana leader Hone Harawira says the defection of former Alliance MP Willie Jackson to Labour can’t be seen as an advance for the Maori revival.
Labour leader Andrew Little has confirmed he has talked to the broadcaster and head of the Manukau Urban Maori Authority about standing for the Labour list.
Mr Jackson has been touted as a possible Maori Party candidate for Tamaki Makaurau as part of the grand plan that also involves the Maori Party not standing a candidate in Te Taitokerau.
Mr Harawira says Mr Jackson has a union background and is a good negotiator.
"I like Willie but I think in terms of the Maori revival, I don't think this is going to advance that. If the rumours are true he will be accepting a high list placing in Labour so he won't have to wallow around in the electoral fuss, so for all of those Labour Party Maori MPs who think working hard will get you to the top, clearly not," he says.
Mr Harawira says his aim is just to get Mana back into parliament.
FULL INTERVIEW WITH HONE HARAWIRA
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