Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Logical to retain leaders - academic says

Updated at 7:45 pm on 15 December 2011

Professor of Indigenous Studies at AUT University, Rawiri Taonui, says it's logical for the Maori Party to retain Pita Sharples and Tariana Turia as co-leaders.

Following a telephone conference this week, the party's National Council confirmed co-leadership would continue with the same people in charge.

Professor Taonui says confirming the co-leadership is important for party stability.

He says the party will have to accept criticism over its relationship with the National-led government and keep an eye on the other political parties in Parliament.

Professor Taonui says that makes it very important the party appears unified.

He says the Maori party needs to take time to consider its co-leadership structure before the next election, when both Dr Sharples and Mrs Turia retire.

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