Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Maori Party pressure possible due to support status

Updated at 8:39 am on 10 February 2012

The Maori Party says it's been able to put more pressure on the National Party to include a Treaty of Waitangi clause in legislation paving the way for asset sales because it is a Government support party.

Co-leader Pita Sharples hopes differences with National over the issue will not force the Maori Party to walk away from the Government.

Dr Sharples says it was the Maori Party that first tried to ensure the Treaty clause from the State-owned Enterprises Act is included in legislation covering four energy companies the Government intends partially privatising.

He says that because the party is in a support arrangement with National, its concerns had to be taken seriously.

Listen to more on Morning Report

Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand