29 Oct 2012

Maori Party says it needs to boost finances

9:01 am on 29 October 2012

The Maori Party says it needs to boost its finances if it is to have a realistic chance of winning back the support it lost at the last election.

The party held its annual meeting over the weekend - much of which was taken up with discussion on how to win back voters.

It says it will broaden its constituency by pushing for the party vote and standing candidates in general seats.

But to make that happen, co-leader Tariana Turia said the party has to get smarter about fundraising.

She said the party has not been particularly good at asking for money, but will have to start doing it.

President Pem Bird said an outside source is interested in providing significant backing but would not reveal who it is.