Hide positions Act with Maori Party

Rodney Hide

Act leader Rodney Hide is positioning his party to work with the Maori Party, saying the two share a common vision for New Zealand.

In his first speech of the year, Mr Hide yesterday praised the Maori Party, saying its four MPs were smart and hard working. He said the Maori Party had Act's support in its war on Maori dependency and poverty.

"The Maori Party will be full of surprises. They totally reject Labour's patronising of Maori. I look forward to working with the Maori Party on the policies on which we agree and the debate on the ones on which we differ."

The Maori Party declined to comment yesterday.

Mr Hide predicted the career demise of Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Michael Cullen.

"I predict Michael Cullen won't see out this term as Finance Minister. I understand he's already discussed it with colleagues. He will retire from Parliament at the next election."

A spokesman for Dr Cullen told the Herald that Dr Cullen expects to be Finance Minister for a long time yet.

Mr Hide also predicted Prime Minister Helen Clark will try to "dump" MPs Jim Sutton, Dover Samuels, Jill Pettis, Russell Fairbrother, Dianne Yates and Ann Hartley.

He criticised New Zealand First leader Winston Peters and United Future leader Peter Dunne for taking ministerial roles outside Cabinet.

"Winston Peters appears to have given up. He's taken on Foreign Affairs simply as an opportunity to see the world while he can.

"Peter Dunne's only interest is in being Minister Revenue. He doesn't care whether it's a Labour-led government or a National-led one."

Mr Hide said National leader Don Brash will lead National into the next election, but he advised Dr Brash to "kill the question over his leadership quick smart".

Mr Hide said he was aware of the Parliamentary consequences of Act's drop from nine MPS last term to two.

"We'll need to pick our issues and our opportunities carefully. But don't worry. Heather and I will continue to hold Government and ministers to account."