Shane Jones is leading the Labour leadership race, a survey of Maori voters by TVNZ's Te Karere news programme shows.
The list MP was backed by 37% of the 1000 voters questioned, while nearest rival David Cunliffe attracted 22% support and Grant Robertson just 8%.
However, 25% of those canvassed said they did not know who would be best suited to lead the party.
Respondents were also asked which MP would be best at representing Maori issues and, again, Mr Jones lead the race with 56% support. However, 29% said they did not know.
The survey has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1%.
