The Maori Party disciplinary hearing considering a complaint against Hone Harawira has been adjourned, with a resolution now unlikely until next week at the earliest.
The party's disputes and disciplinary committee met on Wednesday to consider the complaint laid against the MP for Te Tai Tokerau by party whip Te Ururoa Flavell.
The complaint centres on Mr Harawira's criticism in a newspaper article of his party's support for the National Government. It accuses him of acting unethically and bringing the party into disrepute.
Relations soured further at Waitangi commemorations held at the weekend, and on Monday party co-leaders Tariana Turia and Pita Sharples suspended Mr Harawira from caucus, saying they can no longer trust him.
The meeting at the Brentwood Hotel in Kilbirnie broke up after almost five hours on Wednesday, with Mr Harawira emerging with committee chairperson Te Orohi Paul.
They announced the Te Tai Tokerau electorate committee will meet this weekend and the committee will meet again in due course.
Mr Harawira said he was grateful to hear many of the things said in the meeting and is glad his electorate will get the chance to meet.
"I said in there that I disagree with this process, but I'm comfortable with where we've gotten to. I'm glad that there's been an adjournment until we get a chance to have a chat about some of the issues that Te Ururoa raised today."
Mr Harawira said he would make no comment on the issues raised during the meeting, as he does not intend to make a media circus of the ongoing situation.
The Maori Party national council is due to meet on Friday, but it will not be able to reach a final decision on the complaint now.
Earlier, Mr Harawira said he was only notified of the Wellington meeting on Tuesday afternoon, although the date has been known publicly for more than a week.
The MP said he would attend because of his commitment to the party, not because of any trust in the Pakeha legal process.
Mr Flavell said on Tuesday he was looking forward to putting his case at the hearing and wants the issue resolved.
Dispute could cost party
A specialist in MMP politics says infighting in the Maori Party caucus may hurt the party's support.
Otago University's Andrew Geddis said the party relies on votes for individual candidates and the recent problems could cost it votes.
He said that can not be good for grassroots Maori Party supporters who are looking to the party to advance Maori interests in Parliament.
