Brownlee ‘misquoted’ over comments on Maori seats

National's policy to scrap the Maori seats remains unchanged, says deputy leader Gerry Brownlee.

Comments by Mr Brownlee at the weekend that National needed to ask the question about its policy of abolishing the seats were swiftly countered by his leader, Don Brash.

He said the party's imminent discussion on constitutional issues was unlikely to alter National's policy to do away with the seats.

The apparent difference of opinion was seized on by Prime Minister Helen Clark yesterday.

She said the two men's comments showed National's Maori Affairs policy was utterly confused.

National MPs gathered yesterday for a policy and strategy session, which included a discussion on the constitutional issues Mr Brownlee raised in his speech.

Mr Brownlee said his speech clearly said National believed that the time for separate Maori representation in Parliament had passed.

He said his comments had been misinterpreted.

"If you read the speech I gave I made that specific comment. I know that others have interpreted it otherwise, but that's more interpretive than fact."

Mr Brownlee said there was every chance the number of Maori seats would increase during the current revision of the Maori rolls, and he expected as a result the Maori Party would have an even greater political influence.