Sharples keen to block Rau candidacy

Pita Sharples. Photo / Steven McNicholl

Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples has taken the extraordinary step of meeting a former Maori Television reporter and asking him to stand as a party candidate for the Hauraki-Waikato seat in order to stymie the aspirations of a former Tainui highflyer, sources say.

The Weekend Herald understands that the Maori Affairs Minister is extremely concerned that Hemi Rau - who was sacked by Waikato-Tainui for media leaks and lost an employment relations case this year - has put his name forward for selection.

Yesterday, Dr Sharples was with Prime Minister John Key at the tribe's headquarters at Hopuhopu to sign further agreements relating to the iwi's Waikato River settlement. The minister used the time to meet broadcaster Potaka Maipi, a source said.

"The Maori Party's in crisis mode. They don't want Hemi in there - he's a danger to their brand," the source said.

"They're trying to find fresh faces with a view to the future."

Mr Maipi declined to comment but the Weekend Herald understands that he is still to fill out candidate selection papers. Given that nominations closed yesterday, it is not clear if Mr Maipi met the deadline.

A spokeswoman for Dr Sharples said the minister was at Hopuhopu on other business although he did meet Mr Maipi during the tea break.

"He [Dr Sharples] does not wish to enter in to the details - it was a private conversation between the two of them." The spokeswoman stressed that Dr Sharples would not pick the Hauraki-Waikato candidate, Maori Party members in that region would.

Adding more salt to the wound for Mr Rau is that Mr Maipi gave evidence against him at his unsuccessful employment case where he asked for reinstatement.

Mr Rau would not be drawn on what he thought of Dr Sharples encouraging others to stand in order to block his potential party progression.

"There's a process that all candidates are going through - all I've done is put my name in a hat."

The Weekend Herald understands the party has sought to discuss the matter with King Tuheitia.