We have Maori Party co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell live with us now.
Tena koe, Te Ururoa.
In relation to the Kohanga Reo,
you're no doubt aware that prominent leaders
such as Sir Toby Curtis, Pem Bird, and Awanui Black
have all issued a challenge to the national trust
to get its house in order -
as the Maori Party co-leader what's your position on this matter?
Yes, we're of a similar mind.
The cause is paramount.
The Kohanga Reo has long been been
an institution steadfast in keeping our language alive
and nurturing our children so that they thrive.
The movement has been in the hands of the trust for over 20 years,
and it's now facing dire straits.
But what's the important thing?
It is the kohanga reo's cause.
What should the trust do, in your opinion?
What's the solution?
Well there are two issues here;
Firstly, the spending of some board members.
Best leave that to the SFO.
In addition, we've also heard of the issues within the board itself.
I think those need to be addressed.
Recently it's been suggested that the board 'clean house'.
Well, leave that for the Kohanga Reo to decide.
However, in the end, these issues need to be dealt with, and quickly,
so that the focus can return to the cause for the future ahead.
Your party president issued a statement today
saying that Maori Party
has no interest in talking with Dotcom and his Internet Party - why?
My job is to take my lead from our madam president.
I don't share the same luxuries as you.
As far as I know,
there's only one thing Dotcom believes in and that's money.
We've always worked with mere pennies.
We're used to working with a low budget.
It doesn't benefit the Maori Party except fiscally,
but that's not something we're willing to chase,
so we'll let him be.
Perhaps he can work with Mana.
You've recently been quoted as saying that the Maori Party
would look to form a coalition is that correct?
If so, why?
At the end of the day, it's an easy decision.
There are many benefits to being a government partner,
whether it be Labour of National.
If you aren't friends, then you are enemies,
and what good is there in making enemies.
There is none.
For example, the Greens didn't get much done for Maori.
That's why we say it's better to be in coalition,
whether it be with National or Labour because you get things done.
I'm not saying all our dreams will come true,
but there are benefits.
This has been our stance for the last three to five years.
With that answer,
would you agree to work with National again
if they were to win even though most Maori have sworn against it?
As the old adage goes, red coat or blue, they are the same.
Whether it be Labour or National, they are one and the same.
Neither will grant Maori their every wish,
but as I said earlier,
we'll discuss it once the votes are in,
and we'll wait for one of them to give us a call,
then we'll work through the pros and cons.
That's how it is.
If we benefit from working with one party, then great.
If not, then so be it. We'll work with another party.
Since you're in Hamilton,
let's talk about the 12 iwi leaders appointed to King Tuheitia's council
after a conference in Turangawaewae over the weekend.
The appointed members included Pou Temara, Che Wilson,
Te Kahautu Maxwell, Sir Toby Curtis, Kihi Ngatai, Mere Broughton,
Erima Henare and Dame June Mariu,
along with the kohanga reo rep, the Women's Welfare League's rep
and the Maori Council's rep to come.
What are your thoughts on the council -
will this unite us all?
The King presented the idea at the Kokohinau Marae Poukai
three months ago.
It's a start.
It was also discussed at Turangawaewae last year.
I understand that it's the result of many discussions
about establishing such a council.
The 12 members will advise the king to ensure that everything goes well.
It's not for me to say whether it's right or not.
My job is to support anything that I see will benefit Maoridom.
That includes the Kingitanga and the King himself.
Te Ururoa Flavell, thank you for joining us.