Ngati Porou and Te Whanau a Apanui representatives meet the Prime Minister John Key on Tuesday in what Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples is hailing as an example of what can be done by being in Government.
Waiariki MP Te Ururoa Flavell arranged the meeting so the iwi could express their concerns over oil prospecting off the East Coast by Petrobras of Brazil.
Dr Sharples says it contrasts with what can be done by a protest party, such as Hone Harawira's Te Roopu Mana.
"We have to mature as a people," he told Waatea News.
Dr Sharples said the Maori Party is still considering whether to stand a candidate if Mr Harawira forces a by-election in Te Tai Tokerau.
