The chair of Te Rarawa iwi has turned down an approach to stand for the Maori Party in Te Tai Tokerau against independent MP Hone Harawira.
The Maori Party has an agreement with Mr Harawira not to stand against him, but Haami Piripi says many members are unhappy the party appears to have abandoned the Far North.
However, Mr Piripi told Waatea News given that four Muriwhenua iwi are in the final stages of negotiating a Treaty settlement, the time is not right to stand.
Mr Piripi said he is committed to the Maori Party having a national presence.
