Minto could join Harawira's Mana Party

Photo / Herald on Sunday

Left-wing activist John Minto has confirmed he is considering standing for Hone Harawira's Mana Party at this year's general election.

The anti-apartheid protester told TV3's Firstline he will make the decision based on whether he thinks he can make a greater difference inside or outside of Parliament.

Mr Minto said the new party, formed by Mr Harawira in the wake of his departure from the Maori Party, "has the values a big chunk of New Zealanders would support".

"I have never joined a political party in my life," Mr Minto said, adding the party had policies which were good for future generations.

He said the focus for the party is on the Te Tai Tokerau by-election, after which the party will begin a democratic process to form its party list.

Mr Minto said he has known Mr Harawira for 34 years and acknowledged he has a "brash side", but he has "good bones".

The announcement comes after an Horizon poll, conducted over two days last week, found Mr Harawira's new Mana Party had greater support than the Maori Party, with 2.3 per cent compared with the Maori Party's 2.1 per cent.