The Maori Party is attempting to reassert itself as an independent political force, as it fights for its political survival.
Maori Party co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell. Photo: RNZ / Diego Opatowski
Ratana celebrations held over the past week marked the beginning of the political year and the race for the Maori vote.
Maori Party co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell says it's getting the message that its people are unhappy about the party's ongoing relationship with National.
He says it's time for the party to start distancing itself from National and making sure voters know it can work with either National or Labour.
Prime Minister John Key says the move is to be expected as smaller parties always want to define themselves before an election.
