KEY POINTS:
Act could work with the Maori Party if it decided to form a coalition government with National, leader Rodney Hide said yesterday at his party's election launch.
Speaking to 400 supporters in Auckland, Mr Hide said a party vote for Act would ensure a National government would make a "difference" - putting New Zealand in a stronger economic, social and environmental position than Australia by 2020.
He liked the word "difference" so much he used it more than 20 times.
Recent polls have suggested both Labour and National would need the Maori Party, which has four seats at present, to govern.
After the speech Mr Hide said he could live with the Maori Party playing a pivotal part in the next Government.
"Of course, we want Act to play a pivotal part as well.
"I've always enjoyed working with the Maori Party and we sit beside each other.
"I think the Maori Party shares some of our concerns and issues and I've said to Tariana [Turia] they should get involved in the next government - I think it'd be great."
The crowd lapped up addresses from MP Heather Roy and party hopefuls Sir Roger Douglas, John Boscawen and David Garrett.
The party's 20-point plan was outlined, but Mr Hide focused on Act's crime policy, which advocates zero tolerance for crime and a "three strikes" approach to sentencing.
Criminals found guilty of violent offences would serve full terms with no parole. A second offence would see the maximum sentence plus a warning from the judge.
"Third offence and it's 25 to life. Die in there if need be," Mr Hide said. That line had the audience clapping so hard he repeated it.
Act's economic policy is to cut "fat" state spending, do away with the top 39 per cent tax rate by Christmas, reform the labour market and scrap the Resource Management Act.
The party also wants to dump the "dopey" Emissions Trading Scheme.
Warmed up by MC Jim Hopkins, the crowd popped streamers as Mr Hide entered to Dire Strait's Walk of Life.
He said he had to stop himself from two-stepping while the music played.
"Funnily enough since I did the Dancing [With the Stars show] I've got to enjoy music because I had to listen to it so intently."
