Sharples and Turia to lead Maori Party into the next election

The Maori Party's two most familiar faces will lead it into the next election after all.

Dr Pita Sharples and co-leader Tariana Turia have decided to stay on, having previously hinted they'd make way for fresh talent.

Tariana Turia is dismissing criticism that the Maori Party doesn't have members with the depth needed to step up to the leadership role.

She says they have options.

"It's not unusual to have somebody outside of the Party be the leader. The Greens have done that, the Act Party have done that, so there's a number of options available to us."

Newstalk ZB Political Reporter Katie Bradford-Crozier says with the party having only three MP's at the moment, it's very hard for the co-leaders to walk away.

"Te Ururoa Flavell is a very strong MP, I'm pretty sure he would be interested in that job. It wouldn't be a good look for the party though for him to roll one of those leaders - it wouldn't be good for the unity of the party."

She says the party needs to rebuild support before looking at big issues such as leadership changes.

"The key issue there is Pita Sharples needs to hang onto his seat. Labour in particular will be looking at putting a very strong candidate up against him. Labour's desperate to win back those seats, particularly that big Auckland vote, so Dr Sharples will have to be working very hard on keeping his electorate."

Katie Bradford-Crozier says the Maori Party needs to rebuild its support base, before looking at big issues like leadership changes.

Photo: NZ Herald