Mahuta keeps colleagues guessing

By RUTH BERRY

Labour's male Maori MPs are crossing their fingers in hope that Tainui MP Nanaia Mahuta will vote in favour of the foreshore bill today.

It appears she has driven them to near distraction by keeping them in the dark. Maori Affairs Minister Parekura Horomia is so keen to have her on side, he put in a call to former Labour MP Koro Wetere this week asking him to have a talk with the MP.

Ms Mahuta has twice voted against the bill, but has indicated she may vote for it today when it is read for the final time. She has spoken in favour of several clauses in the House this week - but has criticised others.

The Labour Party lost Tariana Turia over the foreshore bill and Ms Mahuta suggested at one point she, too, may leave the party.

While Ms Mahuta is back in the Labour fold, the on-going refusal of the two women to support the bill prompted allegations from critics of the bill that the male MPs have been the weaker link.

A vote in favour of the legislation today by Ms Mahuta would not only signal the bill has improved, it would also help restore a few bruised egos.