KEY POINTS:
An indicative poll has shown the Maori Party sweeping all seven Maori electorates from Labour.
The Marae-Digipoll will be the latest poll to send a chill through the Government's heart, as it is the first time this particular poll has predicted a clean sweep for the Maori Party.
The poll of 1003 Maori voters includes 665 registered on the Maori roll and 338 on the general roll.
The poll, of who voters would choose in their electorate seat, covers fewer than 200 people and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.8 per cent. Poll organisers say as a result it can only be considered indicative of the mood in the electorate.
Despite the limitations of the poll, it has a history of correctly predicting the trends and results on election day.
It recorded Maori Party MPs Hone Harawira, Pita Sharples, Tariana Turia and Te Ururoa Flavell all easily holding on to their seats.
The poll also shows Maori Affairs Minister Parekura Horomia behind in Ikaroa-Rawhiti by 54 per cent to 31 per cent and minister Mahara Okeroa behind by 50 per cent to 33 per cent. Cabinet minister Nanaia Mahuta is shown as behind in the Tainui seat by 45 per cent to 37 per cent.
The poll showed Maori voters on both rolls preferring to give their party vote to the Maori Party by 38 per cent to Labour's 37 per cent with National third on 15 per cent.
- NZPA
