Why the Willie Jackson and John Tamihere relationship is crucial for next Labour led Government
In attempting to navigate a possible change of Government, the relationship between Willie Jackson and John Tamihere will be crucial.
The Māori Party are on a high polling wise and don’t see why they should have to moderate their message which has seen sparks behind the scenes of the protests this year. Labour and the Greens were consistently denied speaking opportunities as Māori Party activists pulled last minute stunts.
If the Māori Party keep leaning into these stunts, the danger becomes Winston offering Chippy a way to avoid the Māori Party altogether.
This makes the relationship between Willie Jackson, Labour’s senior Māori leader and John Tamihere, the Māori Party President, will be so crucial to making any possible Labour/Green/MP coalition work.
If the Māori Party intend to use their leverage for their own political theatre they will have squandered the momentum of a lifetime and if it is to work at all, Willie and John’s personal friendship will be key.
Increasingly having independent opinion in a mainstream media environment which mostly echo one another has become more important than ever, so if you value having an independent voice – please donate here.
Yes, this is an obvious and true point but hasn’t been said until now re Willy and John. Maybe the Maori Party needed to stand alone before and that’s why the other two left party’s were not permitted to speak. However, time has moved on, te pati Maori have proved their mana and now they must unite in a meaningful way for change and all three lefty’s must cooperate. Please. The next govt must be LEFT
As far as Labour go, I’m guessing Te Pāti Māori are still the last cab off the rank
Nanaia Mahuta has come back specifically to ensure the party delivered a Labour government
And I’m sure they will do their best to ensure Labour regain those seats. Feeling confident knowing they won the party vote last election.
I’m also sure being in a position to avoid the Māori Party altogether will be the initial goal